Late last Friday, the night before the Block Party in Oklahoma City, I sat outside my sister's house in the cool of the sleeping hours. I sat there thinking and praying through the day that was ahead of us, trying to wrap my mind around how to make sure that every project went well and that every individual at the Block Party truly knew that God and his people have a deep love for them. It was overwhelming. I had participated in planning meetings for 5 months and still, I could not grasp how big the Spirit had made this thing. How do you comprehend 2000 homeless people coming together with almost 800 volunteers to live out and experience life-changing love on a plot of ground that takes up half a city block? Will the clothes and food be enough for all? Will everyone who wants a haircut get one? Will people truly know that they are loved and will hope be interjected into their lives? These are all thoughts that penetrated my mind and I wrestled with them for moments that seemed like years. I began to see all of the ways that this thing could crash and burn, all of the things that I hadn't thought of and the doubts hit like a storm ensued wave on a peaceful shore. All of this was going on, and then the world just stopped. My thoughts just quit and all I did was listen to the air going in and out of my lungs. Suddenly a gentle breeze whipped around me and caused the leaves in the tree closest to me dance and then fall to the ground. At this, one thought hit me and it left me both speechless and with a joy I had not known in such a time of stress.

"I am the one who causes the seasons to change and the world to turn. I cause the colors of the earth to brighten and fade around you and the leaves to fall. You have done what I have given you and I am the one in control. My love is going forward and it is causing movement within the souls of many. Trust me and be ready. Take the opportunities I give you and love with everything you are. This is mine."

The sound of my breath came slow and easy and the worries of possibility were simply gone. My dear friends, what great news and hope we carry! This is hope for the lost and a chance for the broken, this love that we hold. Do we understand that God is ready? He is moving His people and causing the world to change, hearts at a time. We must do what is given and understand that the Spirit of God is in the midst and He is the movement of nations and souls.

The Block Party went perfectly. I have never been more proud to be a part of something in all my days. It was great seeing men and women from circumstances as different as day and night laughing, hugging, and conversing like they had known each other for decades. It is a strong bond that the love of Jesus acted out in people's lives creates. From the things that happened on the day and relationships formed, there are at least two individuals who were on the streets that are not now. God made a way for hope and love to make a physical difference and now our dear friends G and Debbie sleep inside every night, they are not hungry, they are not cold, they do not have the temptations that steal their lives in front of them, they can call us whenever they want to talk, they laugh and smile because now they know they have a reason too, and they are taking steps to better their own situation. Everything is in motion.

What can we do this day that will break through the shell of indifference in the world and allow all to feel the warmth of a love that is unconditional? There is something. I know that there is. We all play a part in this gospel that is bigger than anyone of us but that calls and beckons each of us to take hold. Everything is in motion, so we must move.

You are loved.
Be love

Tim