Street Evangelist Tom Alexander Praying For The Students (including their parents and school employees) Who Attend Bakersfield High School.

My wife and I live in Bakersfield. That’s one of the reasons I am able to carry the large 10-foot cross to every school in the greater Bakersfield area, hoist it upright at each elementary, junior high or senior high school and pray long and hard for the students, their parents, and all the school staff personnel (from the principal and assistant principal, to the teachers and aides and the custodians and volunteers).

There are some 130 K-12th grade schools in greater Bakersfield. Some are labeled as Title I ”troubled schools” and low achievement campuses, while others proudly display the “California Distinguished School” banner. But each has what is to me the biggest and greatest reason why I bring the cross to each school. They have our children and grandchildren for at least six hours each weekday.

Two Other Reasons Why I Carry The Cross To Every School In Bakersfield

Tom Praying For The Students Attending Centennial High School As Well As Their Parents And Teachers.

There are two other reasons why I walk the cross to every Bakersfield school, hoist it upright and pray loud and long in front of each and every school office (usually beside the flag pole). As I approach a particular school, I have two clear and distinct reasons for walking the entire perimeter of that school and then hoisting the large flag upright and praying in front of the school’s main office:

Number One. I’m praying for the safety of all students and all educators as they are on that particular campus and as they return home after school.

Number Two. I’m praying for the salvation of every student, parent, teacher and school employee at that school.

I carry the cross to every school in Bakersfield and pray for the safety and salvation of every student, parent and educator because prayer changes things because it changes individuals.

What I’m Praying About When I Pray At A School

Tom Praying At Stockdale High School After Walking The Entire Perimeter Around The School And Adjacent Neighborhood.

When I hoist the large cross upright at a school, I’m praying that:

1. Every student says no to drugs, gangs, weapons, violence, bullying and all other types of violence.

2. Every student remains civilized and never becomes chemicalized, criminalized, victimized or institutionalized, and that each boy and girl remains a juvenile decent rather than becoming a juvenile delinquent.

3. Every parent says no to drugs, gangs, weapons and all other types of violence as well.

4. Every teacher, principal, secretary, and other school employee says no to drugs and violence as well.

5. Every child, parent and school employee eventually accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Savior.

Wanna-be, Gonna-be, May-be And Never-be Drug Users And Gangbangers

Tom Praying For The Safety And Salvation Of Students Attending South High And For Their Parents And Teachers As Well.

In other words, I hoist that large cross upright at each school and pray that our kids never become drug users, gang members, juvenile delinquents or other types of troubled and troubling youth. When it comes to drugs, gangs, weapons, violence and crime, I’m praying that these kids become and remain NEVER-BE’S, and that they give their hearts, souls and lives to the One who died on the cross so that they can live drug-free, gang-free, crime-free and violence-free lives.

A Very Good Reason For Kids To Stay In School

The Back Panel Of This Card Gives Kids Several Great Reasons To Stay In School.

I get to talk to a lot of kids before and after school. That’s why I designed a small card-tract to hand out to these kids. It’s entitled  “STAY IN SCHOOL. Don’t Be Anybody’s Fool.”  The tract encourages kids to say no to drugs, gang, weapons and violence. But it also gives these youth an incentive to stay in school and at the very least graduate from high school.

Very reliable studies report that high school graduates earn at least $10,000 more each year than dropouts. So it’s like giving themselves $10,000 extra or even more each year once they graduate and go to work full-time. These studies also show that if they acquire a two-year college degree, it’s like giving themselves $16,000 more each year than those who quit high school. It gets even better for those kids who earn a four year college degree. College and university graduates earn over $28,000 more each year than dropouts.

It’s All About Planting Good News Seed For Future Revival

Street Evangelist Tom Alexander Praying For The Students Of Liberty High And For Their Parents And Teachers, That They All Accept Jesus As Their Savior.

Praying for students, their parents and their educators is the reason I bring the cross to each school throughout greater Bakersfield. This is how God prepares young hearts. This is how revival takes place in the lives of  these kids. Because when I bring the cross to Bakersfield’s elementary, junior high and senior high schools, hoist it upright for all to see, and pray long and hard for these boys’ and girls’ souls, the Spirit of the living God has opportunity to plant the seeds of revival and salvation in their hearts.

And this is one way future generations for Jesus are both prepared and reached. Amen and amen.

What A Sight To Behold For A Former Surfer Turned Cross Walker!

WARMTH OF THE SON

(new life version)

The Lord of all life

He saved me one day.

I cried when He said,

I forgive you today.

Now I have the Warmth

of the Son;

It won’t ever die.

Since it seems that everybody who lives in Bakersfield goes to Pismo Beach instead of the southern California surf spots, it was bound to happen. Pismo Beach, here we come, bringing the long cross instead of the long board to this central California beach and walking the streets instead of walking the nose. Surf’s up in Pismo…and so is the long cross!

What A Day For A Cross Walk Custom Made For A Cross Walking Believer

Street Evangelist Tom Alexander And A Young Family From Madera Visiting Pismo For A Day Of Fun In The Sun.

As Jeanette and I arrived at Pismo, we found the local spot to park the “go-ye-mobile.” As I unloaded the ten-foot cross, a young family came up and asked what we were doing.

Jeanette and I shared that I’d be walking the cross in Pismo, starting at the Pier and then walking downtown. They were Christians from Madera and visiting Pismo for the day. I asked if they’d like to pray with us for Pismo and the cross walk, and they enthusiastically said “Yes”. So we prayed. 

I always ask those who pray with me if they’ll  pray first. And they did! Powerful prayers for the people living in Pismo as well as the visitors and tourists. What was so special is that their youngest boy kept climbing onto the cross as we prayed, which made his mom nervous. I told them not to worry about this, and that God was no doubt smiling as He watched all this from Heaven.

At The Cross Is Where We First See The Light

What A Special Joy And Privilege It Is To Pray With Young People And To Praise The Lord Together As Well!

Is there really anything more powerful than young people coming to the cross and asking for personal prayer and for their friends as well? No matter what city I walk the cross in, when young people come running up and ask for prayer, I believe all Heaven pauses momentarily and looks upon as God’s amazing grace pours out upon the youth.

These four young people called me over to where they were at and asked what I was doing. When I shared I was praying for their city, they all shouted “Praise the Lord!” in unison. Then we prayed…for them…for their parents…for their friends… and for their city. I left these young people with a heartfelt prayer for their safety and a cry in my heart that they remain on fire for Jesus and reach out and touch the youth of their city with the message of God’s amazing love in Christ. With the world behind them and the cross before them,  my prayer is that these young people continue to follow Jesus with all their strength and might.

No Better Feeling Than Having Church On The Streets For Everyone Passing By To Hear Young People Praise The Name Of Jesus Christ!

In a culture that’s trying hard to keep people from seeing the cross and accepting the free gift of eternal life in Christ, it’s refreshing to have a large number of young people approach this cross walker in every California city I go and rejoice at the sight of the large cross. Pismo Beach was no exception!

These young boys were very excited to see the cross. I was able to talk with them for several minutes and answer their questions about why I was in Pismo. What blessed my heart is the very positive comments they made about my cross walking safari. These three young men were actually walking with their parents toward the pier, but stayed behind and asked for prayer for themselves, their family and for their friends. Church on the streets at Pismo Beach!

Surf’s Up In Pismo…And So Is The Cross Of Jesus Christ!

Street Evangelist Praying At The City's Popular Pier For The People Living In Pismo Beach And The Surrounding Communities.

The day passed by quickly, as Jeanette and I walked the downtown area as well as the beach and onto the busy pier, talking with people, praying for people, hoisting the large cross upright at different intersections, and bringing the Endless Easter to Pismo Beach. We met several people from Bakersfield, including a man and his family whose two children I had officiated at each of their respective weddings. They were surprised  and elated to see us walking the cross on the pier.

As the cross walking safari ended this day, I hoisted the large cross one final time at the Pier and prayed for the entire community and the people living in this central California coastal town. Because of the cross walk,  Pismo Beach and surrounding communities will never be the same, as the Spirit of Revival moved in the lives of many men, women and children. Praise the Lord for the opportunity to lift up the name of Jesus Christ in this peaceful and beautiful coastal city. Now it was time to enjoy the beach with our family before heading home that night to Bakersfield.

The Warmth Of The Son And  A Beach Fire As Well

Tom, Shiloh, Gemma and Becka Working Hard To "Help" Nathan Dig Out A Fire Pit To Barbecue Hot Dogs And Roast Some 'Smores.

Whenever Jeanette and I walk the cross in any coastal town, we make it a point to end the day by enjoying the beach for an hour or two and watch the sun go down, basking in the glory and power of the living God who spoke the ocean into existence  with one simple command.

Our trip to Pismo was a little different. Our daughter Shiloh, her husband Nathan, our granddaughter Gemma, and her friend Becka were spending a few days in Pismo, so after the cross walk, we met up at the beach and enjoyed a time of laughter and fun together, goofing off and baking clams, eating ‘Smores, and then enjoying a blazing fire before saying good-by and returning home. Who says walking the cross isn’t fun, fun fun?

Street Evangelist Tom Alexander greeting and praying for people at Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey.

GOOD VIBRATIONS

(new life in Christ version)

I’m thinking of good vibrations,

Cross walking’s giving me excitations.

I’m thinking of  unsaved creations,

God’s giving me expectations.

Good, good, good, good vibrations.

Good, good, good, good vibrations.

What started out as an early morning fog turned into a beautiful sunshiny day, the kind of awesome day I remembered when we lived and ministered in the San Francisco Bay area for fourteen years. Jeanette and I loaded up the “go-ye-mobile” and headed to Fisherman’s Wharf,  just a few blocks from where we had stayed the night. As we slowly drove down the hilly street, the view of the pristine and wonderfully blue Pacific Ocean getting closer and closer by the moment filled my senses with both good and not so good memories of this beautiful northern California coastal town.

If Anyone Is In Christ, They Are Brand New Creations

The first time I had visited this city was way back in 1971 during a time that most certainly wasn’t as pleasant as now. On the F.B.I’s fugitive list for robbing a bank in Texas and escaping to California, I was a man on the run from justice and prison time.

Wow! What a difference new life in Christ makes.

As Jeanette and I looked for a parking space, my mind filled with memories of a long, not-so-forgotten time ago, when I was  a totally different person, a man who couldn’t care less about family, friends and especially foes. Monterey is the city where God finally said, “Enough!”

After robbing two people at gun point in their home at Pacific Grove (right next to Monterey) and stealing their car, I really thought that I had gotten away with breaking the law and eluding captivity once again. But just like that,  in 1971 and on a street in Monterey not too different  from the one Jeanette and I were on right now, my crime spree came to an abrupt end. (Note: click on the Convict For Christ blog to read my testimony.)

Spirit West Coast And Walking The Cross On Fisherman’s Pier

Street Evangelist Tom Alexander greeting a young man and his daughter and sharing God's Good News about Christ.

I should have realized that the cross walk would be great, especially since so many people passing by in vehicles as we drove toward the Wharf honked their horns in approval or rolled down their windows and cried out, “Praise The Lord!” Later we would discover that  the huge Spirit West Coast annual Jesus celebration had just taken place this weekend in Monterey. Seemed like all the believers who had attended Spirit West Coast were on their way to visit Fisherman’s Wharf before going home.

Response to the cross walk on the Wharf was very positive, and I was able to share with many youth as well as adults about God’s love in Christ, and what they must do to be saved. Gang members listened as I shared my past before Christ. As is often the case, many of these young men didn’t believe my story about crime and time, so I gave each of them a card-tract printed with my prison mug shot and testimony. As I left each one, they were busy reading the story of how God’s amazing grace saved even a wretched sinner as myself.

The cross speaks a universal language because it is all about a universal message: Christ died for all people!

Fisherman’s Wharf was teeming with people, from those who live in Monterey, to tourists from other California and U. S. cities as well as other countries. Many didn’t speak English, but they all understood the language of the cross.

I must have spoken to over two hundred people on the Wharf, while countless others received the message of the cross just by seeing it! God’s Spirit is so wonderful, bearing witness to the truth of the cross and making Zechariah 12:10 real in the lives of those who look upon the cross as God’s Plus Sign. (read Zechariah 12:10 for yourself!)

The Endless Easter was upon the people of Monterey, as the Spirit of the living God moved upon men and women, as well as children. You could literally feel the power of God in the air, as individual after individual was touched by the Spirit to come forth for prayer. As I walked slowly toward the end of the Wharf, they came.

People asked God to restore their marriages. They asked for prayer for loved ones who didn’t know Jesus. And they asked God to give them more of Him so they too could go forth and witness about God’s love in Christ.  I sensed that this was going to be a very special cross walk. What made me smile and what filled my heart with great joy was the fact that this was the place in 1971 where God broke this man and sent him to prison so he could receive a brand new life and new beginnings. And here I was, praying for people in a city that I once preyed upon. What an amazing God.

The Warmth Of  The Son And The Power Of  Street Witnessing For Jesus

The sign asks, "What is your assurance that if you died tonight, you would go to Heaven?"

Jeanette and I weren’t alone on this mission. As we walked the area around the Wharf, we came upon fellow brothers in Christ who were also there to boldly witness about the Lord Jesus Christ. Standing on a short rock fence, four young men lifted signs high and mingled with the crowd, asking an important and thought-provoking question about assurance of salvation.

Of course we greeted each other warmly, exchanged “Hallelujahs” and “Praise the Lord” words of encouragement, and then prayed together…that all who were visiting Fisherman’s Wharf would accept Jesus as their Savior. They shared that they had just come from the Spirit West Coast gathering and were pumped up for Jesus! They, too, were getting the attention of a lot of people.

Although we could have stayed with these brothers much longer, there was more work to be done with the ten-foot spiritual plow I was pulling. Breaking up the fallow ground of human hearts and watching God turn up the soil of hardened, stony and thorny hearts to expose the good ground that everyone really has always thrills my spirit. For when the good ground in human hearts is exposed, God’s Good Seed (His Word) is able to find a place to set, take root and grow upward unto eternal life! And here at Fisherman’s Wharf, there were some hardened, stony and thorny hearts to be turned up by the sight of the cross.

Christ Jesus Died On The Cross For Muslims Too!

Street Evangelist Tom Alexander praying for hundreds of Muslims attending a festive celebration.

The Spirit of the living God led Jeanette and me to a large area of the Wharf where hundreds of Turkish Muslims were holding some type of festive celebration. Hoisting the cross upright, I asked the God of humanity to reveal Himself and His Son Jesus Christ to all men, women and children attending this event.

I prayed long and I prayed hard, unaware of people passing by who were going to the event and who weren’t that thrilled about seeing a huge uplifted cross and hearing the audible and loud prayers of a street evangelist. I was also unaware of a young man who stood close to me as I prayed for the salvation of each and every Muslim attending the event.

After several minutes of prayer, I opened my eyes and saw the young man staring intently at me. He smiled and then said, “I was listening to you pray. Wanted to know how you were praying. I was impressed. You prayed for their salvation and not for their destruction.”  He paused. “You asked God to show them that they are sinners and that Jesus Christ died for their sins, so they could be forgiven and really go to Heaven once they died here on Earth.” He smiled again. “Thank you for showing me how to pray for my enemies. Up to now, I prayed that God would destroy them.” He bowed his head, then looked at me. “I will pray like you do from now on.”

Monterey Won’t Be The Same Because Of A Praying And Testifying People

Street Evangelist Tom Alexander praying at the end of Fisherman's Wharf for the inhabitants of Monterey.

Wow! On a special day in one of California’s most beautiful cities, the Spirit of God revealed Himself strong to not only nonbelievers, but believers as well.

As our cross walk throughout Fisherman’s Wharf came to a close, I couldn’t help but wonder just how many souls had been touched by the sight of the cross, by the prayers of  God’s people and by the testimonies of His street warriors.

As I stood the large cross upright at the end of Fisherman’s Wharf and prayed for the city of Monterey and its inhabitants, I sensed that the Spirit of the living God had done a great and powerful work in the hearts of many men and women. The large spiritual plow (the cross) had turned up the hardened, stony and thorny soil of many hearts and exposed the goods ground for God’s Word to set. The Scripture that came to mind as I ended my prayer was, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (2 Corinthians 3:6). Even so, Lord Jesus, give me one more soul, and one more, and one more, and one more.”

Not too bad a prayer for an ex-convict who in 1973 became a Convict for Christ while in prison and who has spent these past 37 years telling  people the amazing story of God’s love in Christ Jesus. Amen.

]]> http://www.walkthecross.com/uncategorized/cross-walk-monterey/feed/ 0 http://www.walkthecross.com/uncategorized/cross-walk-lake-forest/ http://www.walkthecross.com/uncategorized/cross-walk-lake-forest/#comments Mon, 31 May 2010 20:22:18 +0000 Tom Alexander http://www.walkthecross.com/?p=674

Lake Forest's Beautiful City Hall Building Was Jammed Pack With Senior Citizens On This Special Cross Walking Day. Read The Story To Find Out How They Reacted To This Cross Walk.

After such a wonderful cross walk in Compton, the Spirit of the Lord impressed on me to travel southeast to the affluent communities of Lake Forest, El Toro and Mission Viejo in Orange County. Most definitely … perhaps even more … the upper-class citizens need to be saved as well. So off I went, excited about the amazing results of Cross Walk Compton and anticipating a special time in Lake Forest as well. Boy, was I in for a surprise.

HOW HARD IT IS FOR THE RICH CHURCH TO ENTER THE KINGDOM

Arriving in Lake Forest I located a large church and parked the “go-ye-mobile” in their lot, which is what I like to do as often as possible to keep the truck safe as I walk the cross throughout a city. Before I walked the cross, however, the Lord beckoned me to introduce myself to the church leaders. He also instructed me to ask the church to help underwrite this week’s cross walk in southern California.

So I obeyed the voice of the Lord. So many churches and pastors have helped underwrite this cross-walking safari that it’s just like breathing air as far as me asking churches and pastors for help. Confident that this church would help too, I introduced myself to the office administrator (the pastor wasn’t in), told him about my 37-year ministry, etc., and then asked if the church would help underwrite the cost of an inexpensive motel room.

No they couldn’t … or wouldn’t. The negative response actually surprised me, and I do not surprise easily. I believe in the words of Jesus Christ, especially where the Savior instructs His followers to give to those who ask for help. I wasn’t asking for a large amount. Just a few dollars to help underwrite the trip’s costs. And what surprised me even more was the fact that this church worker didn’t even offer to pray with me for his city, for unsaved souls and even for my small need.

PEOPLE WHO WORK IN THE CHURCH NEED THE LORD TOO

With a saddened heart I left this large church after praying specifically for the coldness of  the church worker’s heart. If this was the way he treated a fellow minister, I wondered out loud to the Lord how he treated those who were not part of that particular church membership.

The coldness of this minister’s heart made me wonder if all the churches and their leaders in this tri-city community needed a great awakening. So I prayed for the churches as I drove to my destination: Lake Forest’s City Hall.

COMMON, EVERYDAY BELIEVERS CONTRASTED TO THOSE EMPLOYED BY THE CHURCHES

I hoisted the large cross upright at City Hall and prayed long and hard for the city’s mayor, council members and city employees, that God would bless them with the knowledge of their need to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. I also prayed for all law enforcement officers, that they not only accept Jesus as their Savior, but that Psalm 91′s God … the God of divine protection … would keep each of them safe from all harm as they executed their duty to serve and protect the people of Lake Forest.

I met the mayor, who was also a member of the church I had visited prior to praying at City Hall. Unlike the vast majority of mayors I had spoken to about this prayer walk, he seemed uninterested. Sadly, I walked away, then continued to pray for the souls of men, women and children living in lake Forest.

From out of the blue, three women walked up to me and asked what I was doing. They started praising the Lord when I shared my mission, surprised and extremely joyful looks on their faces. They were senior saints and were among a group of some two hundred who were about to eat a free meal at City Hall, inside the Senior Citizen’s room. They invited me to join them and eat a free meal, which I gladly said yes to.

The warm reception of these senior saints took me by surprise, in contrast to the cold hearts of  the people I had previously met. They asked me all kinds of questions about the Cross Walk, and were extremely joyful and excited that I was praying for their city.

After a very pleasant time of fellowship and dining with this large group, I told them I had to be on my way. One of the three women who invited me to join the group for lunch shook my hand and,  at the same time, handed me a twenty dollar bill. I didn’t ask for their help, but here was a widow contributing to my ministry where a minister (who should know better) wouldn’t. Of course I shared with her what a blessing she was to do such a thing.

PRAYING FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS AFFLUENT COMMUNITY

We Must Not Forget To Pray For The Churches And Church Leaders Because They Can Become Cold-Hearted And Distant To The Needs Of The People Not Attending Their Church.

With an invigorated spirit, I drove to the city’s major street, parking my “go-ye-mobile inside the parking lot of our nation’s second largest church. I hadn’t planned on it, but the Spirit of God nudged me to take a few minutes and introduce myself to church workers, whom I had e-mailed and shared that on this day I would be walking the cross and praying for the souls of the men, women and children living in this city.

You know, I’m not a novice. I’ve been a minister for 37-years. But this church leadership, too, was very suspicious of  me and didn’t welcome me with open hearts. I was really surprised by the cold reception. But apparently this seemed to be the problem with Lake Forest churches.  When I asked for a little help to offset my modest expenses, the attitude was as though I was a con artist attempting to rip off the church.

Usually I don’t ask a second time whenever a pastor or church leader says no to me. But God’s Spirit was relentless, so I asked the church leader to consider giving a small donation, telling him that one of the church’s members, a widow, had given me twenty dollars. And if she could do such a thing, the extremely large church could do this as well. Very reluctantly and as if this would interfere with some important meeting (possibly a Star Bucks run or Facebook notation), he told me to remain outside and he’d go in and see what could be done.

Fifteen long minutes later he came out, and coldly handed me a twenty dollar bill, matching the senior saint’s gift. I reminded him about the story Jesus told about the widow who gave out of her life-need in contrast to the rich people who gave out of their greed, then said good-bye.

I had a much more important mission to accomplish than to ague with a cold-hearted church leader.

GREAT RESPONSE FROM EVERYDAY PEOPLE

The Students At This Public High School Were Openly Responsive To The Cross Walk, And Several Prayed With Me About The Serious Problems They Were Facing.

Just steps away from the church’s main entrance, the spiritual atmosphere changed abruptly. As I walked the cross down this busy street, vehicle horns sounded loudly and people shouted “Hallelujah” or gave the one-way sign as they passed by. I prayed for this community, that God would break through the religious bondage and fear and bring new leaders into the area who would reach the city for Jesus and not necessarily make a living out of  professional ministry and church-ism.

I enjoy hoisting the large cross upright and praying at every school I come to. The students at Trabuco High were ending their school day just as I began to pray for them. Several came up and asked what I was doing. When I shared that I was praying for them and for their families, different comments filled the air: “Wow, that’s so cool.” “You are?!” “Thank you.”

Small groups of students came up to me, as did individuals. A few shared their personal problems and asked if I would pray for them. It is easy to forget that some kids are facing serious problems even as they attend school and outwardly appear to be okay. But inwardly they are hurting. As these kids approached  and asked for prayer, I would lay hands on them and pray that the God of all mercy would help them, heal them and and be with them each and every day. I would also pray for their families and friends as well. These students were just like so many others who attend schools in other cities across California.

Kids’ lives were being changed. The Spirit of God moved, and a sense of peace and well-being would replace weary and troubled looks. As is my custom, I gave each of these students a tract card with my phone number and encouraged each one to call me if they needed further prayer.

I prayed at this busy intersection for about thirty minutes, greeting students and asking if any needed prayer. Church on the streets! That’s what this was all about. And because a cross walker from a valley town in central California chose to bring the cross to this affluent yet apparently spiritually-impoverished city, I knew that Lake Forest will never be the same. It’s not me. It’s Christ in me who brings to a city His Spirit of Revival.

In spite of cold hearts, the Spirit of God has a way of moving past the barriers and walls and revealing Himself strong on the behalf of those whose hearts have been prepared to meet Him. And, the large cross can, indeed, be turned into a spiritual plow and plowshare and break up the fallow grounds of hardened, stony or thorny hearts. Beneath the hardened, stony and thorny hearts, there is always good ground.

As I ended this cross walk on such a positive note, I prayed long and hard for the church workers who must come again to the warmth of the Son and allow Him to melt their cold hearts and turn them back into the on-fire, people-loving soldiers for Jesus they probably once were, but for whatever reason, are now cold and distant to the Master and His front-line warriors and street fighters attempting to populate the kingdom of God.

Make it so, Lord Jesus, I ask, in Your All-powerful name. Amen and amen.

Street Evangelist Tom Alexander Hoisting The Large Cross Upright And Praying At Compton's City Hall.

Since 1973 (when I became a believer) I have always wanted to go to Compton and share the Gospel. Now, after a successful cross walk in East L.A. and downtown Los Angeles, here I was. Walking the large cross on the sidewalk running parallel with Compton Avenue, I immediately was taken back by the friendliness of all the people passing by in vehicles, as well as the large number of believers.

So where was the rampant crime and the dirty streets and the jailhouse mentality of all the people who live here that I had heard about so often when this city’s name came up in a discussion?  For all I could tell, Compton was a great city to live in. One that seemed to have had a major transformation of sorts.

Heading toward the city’s government hub, I was pleasantly surprised by all the people who came up and greeted this cross walker and who also asked for prayer for a loved one or themselves. I was also taken back by the number of individuals who thanked me for bringing the large cross to their city. I was even more surprised at what I saw at City Hall.

DO YOU KNOW WHO SAID THOSE WORDS? AND BORN-AGAIN COMPTON!

Do You Recognize The Author Of The Quotation On This Huge Mural Painted On One Side Of Compton's City Hall Building?

Compton’s City Hall is large, and I was impressed at how stately and beautiful the entire government compound looked. As I approached City Hall I couldn’t help but notice a mural that took up an entire side of the City Hall Building. The picture to the left and its familiar quotation tells it all as far as the positive and inspiring attitude of the city is concerned.  I stopped beside the mural and asked a couple of city workers if they knew who said those inspiring and enlightening words. They didn’t know.

When I told them that these were the words of Jesus Christ, both a smile and a look of surprise fell across their faces. “Really?” one of the women asked. “Really,” I answered. We talked about the Lord for a few minutes, then they went on their break.

What a blessing to behold! But what cannot be seen in the picture  is that to the upper right but out of sight is the caption “Born Again Compton” in bold letters.  Pretty cool, huh? Looks like the Lord of new life and new beginnings has been doing a great work in this city that is unofficially known as Gangland, USA.

As I hoisted the cross upright and prayed at City Hall, many city workers and citizens came up and thanked me for praying for Compton. After a long time of prayer, I walked the cross a few feet away to the Sheriff’s Station, hoisted it upright, and prayed for all law enforcement officials…for their safety and for their salvation. This is one of my favorite things to do at each city I visit. God’s Spirit fell on this area, I felt that special extraordinary peace which comes from God and which can only be felt when the Lord of Revival draws near.

FROM PRISON TO PRAISE

An Ex-Convict Turned Prisoner Of The Lord Praying For His City And Government Leaders.

I headed toward the huge Courthouse to pray for the God of justice to protect the judges, bailiffs and all courtroom personnel, and to show each and every one of them their need to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Then I prayed for all the men and women who would be coming to the Courthouse for various reasons, that they too would become born-again believers and be set free of  their past lives, including drug use, gangbanging and breaking the law.

A man came up to me and asked if he could hold the cross and pray for his city and government. Of course! Tony served 15 years in prison but then accepted Jesus as his Savior. Now, almost every day, he comes to this popular hang-out area with a notebook and pen. After talking to and praying for people, he writes down their names and prays for their salvation. He showed me his notebook crammed full with the names of people he was praying for. Needless to say, we had a very pleasant and long conversation about Compton and what God is doing in this special city. We then said our good-byes and I headed down Compton Avenue.

After walking a couple miles west I crossed the street and headed east. It wasn’t long before people stopped me on the sidewalk, their faces filled with joy and amazement that someone with a large cross was walking and praying for their city. Of all the cities in California I have cross-walked, Compton was by far the friendliest, liveliest and Spirit-alive cities of them all, which surprised me. But what a pleasant surprise.

WOW! I CAN DO THIS!

An On-Fire Third Day Believer Walking The Cross On Compton Avenue.

I could barely go block to block because of the response of all the people. Amazing. This was going to be a very slow cross walk because of the number of people stopping in the street and getting out of their cars to talk, as well as the ones coming out of  offices, stores and apartments. I couldn’t believe it. There was a revival taking place even as I walked the cross!

Individuals would come up and ask if they could carry the cross. Of course! You should have seen the smiles and looks on their faces as they lowered the cross to their shoulders and walked the cross down Compton Avenue. By-standers and people passing by would shout out Hallelujah and Praise The Lord, which only encouraged these men to walk the cross. The Spirit of Revival had arrived! And I couldn’t help but wonder what God was going to do in this city throughout the weeks and months ahead.

But there wasn’t any doubt in my heart or mind whatsoever. God’s angels were chasing out the demonic forces that only cause grief, sorrow, pain, misery, death, destruction and bondage to human beings.

IF YOU CAN DO IT, I CAN DO IT TOO!

Another Compton Resident Walking The Cross Down Compton Avenue.

One person after another came up and asked if he could walk the cross. Of course everybody and their mama was taking pictures at such a sight, and Church On The Streets was taking place right smack dab in the middle of the day and in the middle of the city. I stood there grinning like a possum as people came running just to get a glimpse of all this. What a powerful move of God’s Holy Spirit in Compton.

It wasn’t just adults. Children came out of apartments and buildings and praised the Lord for bringing a cross walker to their city. A group of youth at an inner city church came out and joined the holy ruckus. Kids like to dance, and these kids began to dance in the Spirit as they watched people they know carry the cross down Compton Avenue.

It seemed like the entire city was on fire for Jesus! And this is the type of fire you want to see take place in a city. A fire that purifies the heart and soul and cleanses the life of a believer.

GLORY HALLELUJAH! LOOK WHAT GOD IS DOING!

There Is Room At The Cross For Everyone!

Compton, California, of all places! Hallelujah, what a Savior. These brothers and sisters were showing their fellow citizens that they are, indeed, the light of the world, just like that huge mural declared at City Hall for all to see.

The large cross, like a huge spiritual plow and plowshare, was breaking up the fallow ground of hearts and turning up the hardened, stony and thorny soil and exposing the good ground for the Good Seed to set, germinate and sprout unto eternal life. Everyone…everyone…has good ground beneath their hardened, stony or thorny hearts. All it takes to break up the fallow ground and to turn up the soil of people’s lives to expose the good ground is third day believers who aren’t ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Most assuredly, the Third Day Christians of Compton showed this cross walker that they are on fire for the Lord.

A man of God once shared, “Get on fire for God and people will come and watch you burn.” It’s for certain that revival has arrived in Compton. And because of these fellow cross walkers, the city of Compton will never be the same. Just like that huge mural declares: “A city that’s set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Nor can revival be abated. Even so, shine Jesus shine! Holy Spirit, ignite the hearts of the men, women and children of Compton so family members, friends, strangers and even foes will come and watch them burn for You. Amen and amen!”

Cross Walking And praying For The Men, Women, Children And Families Living In East Los Angeles.

After a special walk in downtown Los Angeles, I headed west on 6th Street that eventually turns into Whittier Boulevard and headed for the heart of East L.A. It was late, so I decided to get a motel room for the night and walk the cross in East Los Angeles the next morning.

After a nice and long talk with my wife through the free Skype’s computer program, which is quite a miracle in itself, I got a great night’s sleep. Early the next morning I ate my normal McDonald’s breakfast (which has become my on-the-road office of sorts) then headed east on Whittier and found a great parking spot. Unloading the large cross, I lowered it to my shoulder and headed west down this large and very busy boulevard.

This is a largely Hispanic city and I know I’m always going to get a great reception from the Spanish community. So many men and women of the Catholic faith love seeing the large cross. I am always amazed at their responses, though never surprised.

Of course, East Lost Angeles has a reputation for being home to one of California’s largest gangs. But this is one of the reasons I came to this beautiful city. God owns East L.A. as well, and he loves all the people living here as well.

Asking God To Expose The Good Ground Of People’s Hearts So His Good Seed Has A Place To Set, Germinate And Grow

As I walked the cross down Whittier Boulevard, I found the people to be quite friendly. So many here have a reverent fear and respect for the cross. Men and women would greet me in Spanish and ask if they could touch the cross. Of course they can touch the cross! Many would simply reach out and touch or kiss the cross and then go on their way, a smile on their faces and a new song in their hearts to the God of glory.

At each street corner I hoisted the large cross and bowed my head, praying first against the satanic forces that adversely manipulate people’s lives and which inflict misery, greed and fear on humans. Then I asked the Lord of the Harvest to spiritually transform the cross into a large plow and plowshare and break up the fallow grounds of the hearts of all people who see the cross.

The parable of the sower came to mind. Hardened hearts, stony hearts, thorny hearts…but also good hearts. Like all people in every city, life can turn your personality into a hardened, stony or thorny heart. But beneath all hardened, stony and thorny hearts there is a good heart just waiting to be turned up and exposed to the good seed, the Good News. This was my prayer for the people of East Los Angeles.

As I walked the cross, shook hands, smiled big, and prayed hard, God’s power from on high began to descend. People walked up and asked for prayer for themselves or for loved ones. And God answered their prayers. I felt the oppression that accompanies fear and distrust lift, and in its place a new freedom and liberty in Christ filled the streets.

There’s Room At The Cross For Everyone

This Cross Is A Large Spiritual Plow Designed By God To Break Up The Fallow Ground Of Hardened, Stony and Thorny Hearts And Expose The Good Ground So God's Good Seed (His Word) Can Set, Germinate And Grow Upwards Unto Eternal Life.

The cross was making quite an impact in East Los Angeles. Of course, there’s no magic in a cross. It’s a symbol of the greatest truth ever revealed, the greatest love ever shared, and the greatest power ever displayed. The magic, if you call it that, is what the great God and Savior Jesus Christ did for East Los Angeles residents over two thousand years ago. Today, the people of this great city were getting a taste of divine love and mercy. Only a living God can breath new life into a dying corpse. And only Jesus Christ the Resurrection and the Life can give the command and lift the lives of all people out of the tomb of despair and into new beginnings and new hope.

This is exactly what the Lord of Revival did for the people of East L.A. This day would be like no other. Today, the cross would plow through all hardened, stony and thorny hearts and expose the good ground to the sower, who, indeed, would sow the good seed of God’s Word into the hearts of these men, women and children…all because of God’s amazing love in Christ Jesus.

I heard God’s voice declare, “Today’s the day of salvation.” And, as I walked the cross for several hours throughout this city, I knew that East Los Angles would never be the same. God’s Spirit would see to this. His power and love would break through the darkness, shatter the darkness, and command the darkness to depart. Today, this city would enter the light. Today, great revival was not only on the way; it was already breaking out.

Today, East Los Angeles and its people would experience first hand just what a little bit of soul-winning can do. All because of God’s amazing grace! Amen and amen.

Downtown Los Angeles On A Beautiful Cross-Walking Day

Los Angeles. A city of over four million souls. Today the Spirit of God has brought me to this the second largest city in America. A city I’ve been wanting to walk the cross in for a long time. Now, as I headed toward this city that throughly dominates southern California, I wondered what I would tell the men, women and children I came upon. Would they listen to the message of the cross, of Jesus Christ, and of God’s love for them?

The freeway was highly congested, of course. Interstate 5 is the main artery running through the state of California. For whatever reason, I missed the downtown exits, and I hastily took the first exit I could take, which brought me into East Los Angeles, the second place on my destination this new week. I quickly found out why the Spirit of God led me to this exit instead of the ones that would have taken me to downtown L.A.

Pulling into a gas station, I turned off the ignition and asked the attendant if there was a restroom. No. So I got back into the “go-ye-mobile” and turned the ignition switch on. Nothing. The battery was dead. A man who couldn’t speak English graciously pushed my truck with his larger truck and the “go-ye-mobile” roared back to life. But I knew the battery had to be replaced.

HELPING THE HOMELESS AND GETTING HELP MYSELF

Didn’t know where to find an automotive center, so I drove north on the busy road. I decided to stop in at the approaching McDonalds for lunch before getting a new battery. Someone had to know where a Pep Boys or AutoZone was. I backed the truck into a parking place, so I could easily push-start it. As I headed for the entrance a homeless man sitting on the cement sidewalk asked, “Can you feed me?” Of course I could. By the way, if you don’t know this by now, Isaiah 58 is God’s true fast. It is how you and I must live if we are to show people the true kingdom of God and His amazing love.

I invited him into McDonalds to eat with me, but he shared that he wasn’t allowed inside. Long story. I asked him what he wanted and went in and ordered his meal. I then asked him if he knew where a Pep Boys was. He nodded, said he knew exactly where it was, and gave me instructions to get there. The store was only three blocks away. I prayed with him for a few minutes, told him how much God loves him and gave him my card, inviting him to call me anytime for prayer. He then gave the truck a hand-push, and I was on my way.

So this was why I missed the downtown exits, I told myself. God knew my battery was dead. Imagine being stuck in downtown L.A? And what’s more amazing is that the auto parts store was one block from where my main destination in East L.A. was. Furthermore, this street would take me to downtown Los Angeles and City Hall itself. I wouldn’t even have to find my way back to the freeway.

WALKING THE CROSS IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

Street Evangelist Tom Alexander Praying For The City Of Angels On The Whittier Boulevard Bridge Leading Into Downtown Los Angeles

Brand new battery, and I was on my way heading west on Whittier Boulevard and toward downtown L.A. As I traveled west I prayed in the Spirit, verbally putting on and taking up all the armor and armaments of God, ate the fruit of the Spirit, and began to rebuke the principalities, powers, dominions and spiritual hosts of wickedness which would attempt to hinder my incursion into this large city. This cross-walking incursion was not only going to be fun; it would do a lot of damage to the kingdom of darkness and of Satan.

The downtown cross-walk would be long. I found a place to park and headed to the huge City Hall Building on Spring Street. At every major street intersection, I hoisted the cross upright and prayed long and hard for the mayor, council members, and all department heads, as well as the city’s thousands of employees. For many people passing by, the sight of a ten-foot cross and a man with his head bowed and praying was a strange sight, as if none had ever witnessed such an event. But many people passing by in automobiles honked their horns in approval.

California Cross Walker Tom Alexander Praying At City Hall For All Government Leaders Of Greater Los Angeles

I remained praying at this strategic spot for about one-half hour. I was able to speak to several individuals, telling them that I was praying for their city. Many took pictures with their phones or cameras. Some asked questions about the cross walk, while others requested prayer for themselves or for loved ones.

There’s nothing like prayer. Praying for the souls of men, women and children is the most rewarding of godly endeavors, placing prayer right up there with winning these souls to the Lord Jesus Christ! Cross Walk California is all about praying for and winning souls to Jesus. As I prayed for the people of Los Angeles, a different spirit took control of the city. A spirit that lifted the heavy oppression and, at the same time, gently lowered God’s presence and peace upon the entire city.  The Spirit of Revival and of Great Awakening was now descending upon the city of the angels.

With a heavy but Spirit-filled heart, I turned the large cross North to East, East To West, West to South and then back to North, praying for the greater Los Angeles area. North, East, West, South — NEWS — God’s Good News. This is how I pray wherever I hoist the large cross. I claimed all the land and all the souls for God and His Christ, and asked Him to reveal Himself strong to all people living in greater Los Angeles for their sakes.

PRAYING FOR LOS ANGELES’ THIN BLUE LINE

L.A.'s Huge City Hall Reflected In The Glass Wall Of The Equally Massive Police Department Building

The downtown Los Angeles Police Department building is huge, just like City Hall. As I walked the cross to this massive structure and hoisted the ten-foot cross upright, I felt a sense of smallness next to this building. Sorta like David and Goliath.

But God is a great Equalizer, and the daunting task of praying for the city’s 10,000 sworn police officers and 3,000 civilian staff who patrol an area of over 473 square miles came easy, as I asked the Lord of life to keep these men and women safe and bring them all to Jesus. Just think what would occur in the city of angels if L.A.’s Thin Blue Line all became born-again third day believers. I asked God to send His Thick Blue Line of angelic protectors, fighters, warriors and soldiers to protect and uphold this dedicated and courageous human police force, and to reveal Himself strong to each and every one of them, along with their famiiles.

After praying at City Hall and the Police Department, I walked the downtown area, talking with many people and praying for several, especially city workers who came up asking for prayer. The man-caused Great Recession is hurting all cities, and all throughout California city workers are growing scared that they will lose their jobs due to the failing economy. That’;s why God’s Great Revival must arrive soon.I was taken back by the very positive response I received from every individual I spoke with. Several thanked me for praying for their city, and a few even prayed for me, that I would continue to have the strength to pray for California’s cities.

LONELY AND LOST PEOPLE LIVE IN EVERY CITY

A Final Prayer And Then It's Off To East Los Angeles For A Time Of Cross Walking And Prayer At This Special City.

As the long cross walk came to an end, I couldn’t help but think about the people living in this teeming metropolis. Every type of individual can be found in any California city, regardless of  its size. Here in Los Angeles, there’s just many more of each type. But Jesus died for all people, and though the streets and sidewalks were packed with people, the truth is, this large city is tiny compared to the awesome size and power of the living God. And He’s got His eyes upon all these men, women and children. What the Lord of the harvest sees is this: a people in dire need of His salvation and love.

The large cross gets the people’s attention. The Holy Spirit captures their souls. And the Great Fisherman reels them into His Kingdom. My prayer for Los Angeles is the same as it is for every city: Come to Jesus, and find rest for your weary, your lost, your confused, your lonely soul. Amen and amen. And, of course, I’ll be back.

]]> http://www.walkthecross.com/uncategorized/cross-walk-downtown-los-angeles/feed/ 0 http://www.walkthecross.com/uncategorized/cross-walk-hemet/ http://www.walkthecross.com/uncategorized/cross-walk-hemet/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 22:39:52 +0000 Tom Alexander http://www.walkthecross.com/?p=590

Street Evangelist Tom Alexander Praying For Hemet's Thin Blue Line

I really didn’t plan on walking the cross at Hemet. But the Holy Spirit made me aware of a frightening problem in this city that, left unchecked, could hurt many people, starting with the city’s Thin Blue Line. So I gladly traveled the thirty-five miles or so from Riverside, and journeyed to this beautiful city of about 67,000 souls.

The trip was easy and the scenic views filled my soul with joy and awe of God’s creative power. This is a beautiful valley with several lakes. It wouldn’t be bad at all to live in a place like this. As I traveled down the scenic route leading to Hemet, I orally and loudly put on and took up the full armor and armaments of God and then ate the nine spiritual fruit of the Spirit, which I always do before cross-walking any city or town. I was now ready for spiritual warfare.

I knew exactly where I would walk the cross first and foremost. The Hemet Police station.

WHITE SUPREMACISTS AND HEMET’S THIN BLUE LINE

The news made national headlines. A White supremacist group openly declared war on Hemet’s police force, simply because the Thin Blue line was keeping track of the group’s activities. Booby-trapping police vehicles and attempting to gas and injure police officers, the group made it known that they wanted to hurt what the Bible calls God’s ministers. That’s right, police officers are the Lord’s special ministers, who punish evildoers.

By the time I arrived, the Police department had already arrested 23 of these White supremacists, which was great news. Parking my “go-ye-mobile” across the street from the Police station, I unloaded the large cross and walked up to the front entrance.

Hoisting the cross upright, I prayed long and hard for every police officer, as well as all other law enforcement officials in the city. I then walked the entire perimeter of the Police station, asking God to surround the structure with His angelic warriors, fighters, helpers and enforcers. I rebuked the satanic forces behind the White supremacist group, then I prayed hard against the group itself, asking God to bring every guilty person, first to justice, and then to Jesus. The power of God’s Spirit fell, and a new and angelic posse moved into town!

PRAYING FOR GREAT REVIVAL IN HEMET

After praying for quite a long time, I then headed for the mayor’s office and City Hall. Hoisting the cross upright, I prayed for all city and county workers, that they each come to Jesus and receive the free gift of forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Individuals came from out of the building and waved, knowing why I was there.

I then walked the main street of Hemet. Florida Avenue is the main drag, and it is congested at noon. Many people waved and honked car horns as I walked this tranquil yet busy street. Several came up and asked for prayer. This is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains. The people living in Hemet sure deserve a safe place to live and work. As I walked Florida Avenue, I rebuked all the satanic forces that would attempt to throw this city into anarcy and lawlessness.

CHURCHES NEED REVIVAL THEMSELVES

I was struck by the coldness of the church leaders, not the everyday people themselves. Therein was the reason that evil was prevelant in this city. So I prayed long and hard for the church leaders, that they would repent of their cold hearts and their indifference and selfishness. My prayer was that God would show them His will and how to get on fire once again for the kingdom of God and not for the kingdom of self or kingdom of a particular denomination.

The everyday people were kind. Several donated to my California Cross Walk, without me asking. As I walked the cross, I sensed that the Holy Spirit was, indeed, getting ready to pour the power from on High upon the people of Hemet. The joy of the Lord was very apparent when people passed by, so I began to sing hymns to the Lord of the harvest for His goodness to these men, women and children.

I remained in Hemet for several hours, until I knew in my spirit that God had set up camp in this place. Revival was now on the way. And because God loves the people of Hemet, He was going to make sure that any humanic, satanic or demonic force would fail in any attempt to steal, kill  or destroy the souls of His creations and that they would fail miserably.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to witness first hand your power against the forces of evil in this city. To God be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

University Avenue was my exit, which would give me easy access to downtown and City Hall. After checking into my motel room, I took the large cross from off my truck, prayed for a few minutes in the motel’s parking lot, then headed north on University. Response was immediate.

Car horns sounded, voices filled the air, and people gave the thumbs-up or one-way sign as I walked this heavily-congested street. Gonna be one of those red-letter days, I said to myself. About this time, I cam up to an upscale bar. One man walked out just as I approached the door and stopped in his tracks. “Wow, that’s something you don’t see every day.” Another man walked out of the bar and asked, “Can I ride that?” I smiled and said, “The cross isn’t built for that. But, there was Someone who did ride a cross over two thousand years ago.” I paused. “He rode it, was strapped  and nailed to it, and died on it for your sins and mine.”

“I’m a Buddhist,” the first man replied. I quickly answered, “That’s okay. Jesus died on the cross for Buddhists too.” The other man responded: “I’m an agnostic.” “That’s okay too. Jesus died for agnostics as well.”  For several minutes the three of us talked about religion and relationship, philosophy and Christianity. The Holy Spirit gave each of the men very good answers to their questions. The Buddhist replied, “You know what, you’re the first Christian who hasn’t condemned me or tried to shame me. You are for real. What you told me about Jesus makes sense, so I tell you what, I’m really going to think about what you told me.”

The agnostic nodded his head in agreement. Both took the tracts I hand out to everyone I meet. I asked them if they needed prayer. The Buddhist said, “Yes, you can pray for my sick dad,” so I did, right then and there by the bar’s entrance. Funny, they both bowed their heads. I asked the second man if he needed prayer. He said no. When I said good bye to the two, the one I prayed for thanked me for praying for his dad and reminded me that he would seriously consider what I had shared.

HOLY SPIRIT GOOSE BUMPS

I hoisted the large cross on my shoulder and said bye. The agnostic said, “I’ll walk with you for a few minutes. I’m parked up the street anyway” That’s when he really opened up. In a nutshell, I told him that Jesus loved him and that God wanted to give him the free gift of eternal life. As we approached his car he said, “Whoa, why do I have goose bumps all over my body!” Told him that this was God’s Spirit confirming as truth what he just heard. He smiled big  and said, “No one has ever told me what you told me. Makes real sense. I will really think about all this. I really will.” I nodded, gave him my phone number and invited him to call me if he wanted to talk more.

What you just read was typical this day. Many conversations with people who, perhaps for the first time, go to see Jesus the way He probably wants all people to see Him. Hoisting the cross at the huge City Hall, the Police Department, and other government buildings, people would approach and start conversations about religion or their personal faith. Every time, Jesus won! That’s because He is ultimate and absolute truth. And He promised that His truth would set us free.

THIS STORY YOU WON’T BELIEVE

What more can I add about this cross walk? Well, a whole lot more. But you should know this: people everywhere are hurting. They are doing things that normally they wouldn’t. So they need to hear about God’s amazing grace and His unfailing love, regardless of where sin has taken them. Like the man and woman next door to my motel room.

The husband lost his good-paying job, other things happened, and for whatever reason, he was now prostituting his wife. Unbelievable, but true. He came up to me and confessed everything, while his wife stood limp and morally defeated in their motel doorway.  Tears ran down his face as he told me all this.

There is no sin that God can’t forgive. I shared this vital truth to the two of them, and told them that God’s grace was much bigger than their sin, their disgrace, their shame, their defeat and their failure. They both cried out to the Lord for help.

Help arrived! Both rededicated their lives to Jesus. That’s right. They both knew the Lord before all this. But life can be cruel. The two of them promised to call their families and ask them for help to escape their dead-end lifestyle. They pledged to not prostitute any longer. They shared they would do this now. We prayed some more, then I said good bye after hugging them both for a very long time. Crumbled and crushed lives need strong and powerful hugs of assurance and affirmation.

So much more to share about this particular cross walk. But it’s time to go to the next story. Suffice to say, you give the Word of God the opportunity to compete for the souls (corrupted, interrupted and disrupted as can be) of people, and the Word will always win. I repeat, the Word will always win. The secret to winning? Be there to give the Word opportunity to compete! Amen and amen.