Trinity Church Network's Mustard Seed Team (MST) all have the same red and white jackets and go out every Monday night from the new Gardiner Street building after a time of worship and listening to God. They visit several groups of homeless people at different places in the north city centre, distributing the blessings of Jesus' kingdom to people who reach out and touch the hem of his garment. They carry noodle soup, sandwiches, hot drinks, sleeping bags, gloves, woolly hats, and so on in roller cases. In their report each week, like the one below, they call each person by their 'destiny' name for anonymity. If you were to visit on a night you would be impressed by the range of giftings displayed on the team -- prayer ministry, evangelism, helps, counsel, mercy, prophetic words. We have even found one addict who was teaching the Bible to the others!
"We hit the streets in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our first stop this night is Cedar House. There is a big crowd waiting for us. The first ten to fifteen minutes are hectic, with so many at one time looking for something to eat and drink. When things settle down, the team spreads out, socialising with our brothers and sisters. The conversations can be funny and sometimes heartbreaking. So many want to share things with us, so appreciative that we listen and we care. Many hugs are given when we depart, and for those with whom we are privileged to pray, saying goodbye can be hard.
It is great having Protector with us once again as part of our team. Tonight the team is concerned about him; there was sadness in his eyes. He was not as chirpy as we have seen him on previous occasions. We had a jacket for him, which was great. Please storm heaven for this young man, that there will be a breakthrough in his life and that he will invite Jesus into his heart and have a personal relationship with Him. The Team did pray with him. He shook all our hands when we were going and gave Moyra a lovely hug.
A few weeks ago we prayed with Heartbeat. He was just out of hospital and had been very sick. That night he was still pretty shaken. What a difference tonight and he pointed out to us how much better he was and told us how the prayer had helped him. He is on a controlled methadone programme but so proud that he is not doing heroin anymore. He had a fishing rod with him...
We met Peace again tonight, sleeping on cardboard at Liberty Hall. He is from Austria and has very little English. He gave us a very warm welcome and was very appreciative to get soup and bread. He was very hungry. Please pray that his circumstances will change and that he will find accommodation and work, getting him off the streets. It is very sad and heartbreaking when we come across folk like Peace so far away from their homeland and loved ones.
It has been months since we have met Restored...
... another busy night". MST
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