Barnabas took the streets and the Prayer Chapel today. Alice Smith, Carlena Baugh, and Sandra Cummings prayed in the Prayer Chapel while Morgan and Alisa Walker joined me as we walked down Harrison street. First we encountered Keith Murphy who has a yard sale/thrift store in his front yard. He is a gregarious gentleman, and he quickly became excited in the Lord and began telling his testimony. One memorable comment he made was he keeps his spiritual armor on 24/7 because you never know when an attack may come.

Lastly, we met Rick and Jackie Womack. I taught with Jackie at Martin Luther King Middle School for 15 years. Jackie and her husband are both Christians, and we had great fellowship as we talked about our lives and shared personal stories. They will soon be retired, and they plan on traveling in their recently purchased RV.We prayed with Rick for his family and for protection on their travels.

Barnabas went out on one of the few days that didn’t rain this month. I was joined by Morgan and Alisa Walker.We caught Darius as he was leaving his house on Golden. We met Darius and his wife Maria several years ago. Darius had been praying for a new job, and God has just blessed Darius with a new job in full-time ministry at Cathedral of Praise. He was very excited, and he encouraged us to be bold and courageous in the Lord.

We also met Bill who told me several times that he had dementia. Be that as it may, we led Bill in a prayer to receive the Lord in his life. We also met Daniel, who lives at the same residence with Bill, and he requested a ride to church.

Andrew and Kelsey had the prayer tent on Golden and Date street. They prayed for Delilah’s family, and for Carla and David to make it through. They also encountered Ray who said he knows Jesus and used to go to church, but he doesn’t attend anymore because of a bad experience.

Pat and Eleanor met Ms. Pearl who has been living on Golden for over 50 years. She is a sweet lady. She attends church in Riverside. We have known Pearl now for a couple of years, and she frequently has invited us into her house for fellowship and refreshments. Alton, Mitch and I hit 27th street. We talked with Jeanette at 1157. She, along with her sister Dolores, attend the Barnabas Hugg. We prayed for her shoulder pain. We met Robert Ramirez at 1142. He was very friendly. He is a truck driver. He is the father of Eddie who we led to the Lord last year. Eddie wasn’t in.

Lastly, we caught Huey and Ruth returning home. They attended our church for a season. Ruth is pregnant and is due to deliver in February. Huey showed interest in attending the Barnabas Hugg. Alton shared his idea about having a block party on 27th. Everyone thought it was a good idea and even said we could use their yards to set up the jumper. We tentatively plan on having this event in May or June.

   The team began compiling addresses over the summer of the houses that were in need of yard work, clean up, painting or just a little TLC. By November, the Team compiled a list of over a dozen potential projects. Criteria was developed in order to narrow the list and for choosing a project where Team Barnabas could make the most impact and the heart of God could be seen.
   Mr. Graves, an older gentleman who moved his brother into his home to care for him during his hospice care, had neither the time nor the extra energy to devote to the maintenance of the outside of his home. Team Barnabas came ready, willing and able to pitch in and give his house the facelift it needed.
   Team Barnabas volunteered their time and donated the materials along with the supplies needed to paint the front of the house and the fascia boards around the entire house and garage.all in one day.

   With a blue tarp drapped across the roof in an effort to keep out the elements, this house was easily identified as a potential community project. The homeowner, Karen, explained that her husband has been out of work for the last 5 years due to an injury to his leg and unable to find the resources to replace the roof. The roof was leaking which caused flooding in the bathroom and damaged the ceiling and walls below when it rained.
   Team Barnabas was able to apply mastic, a sticky compound which drys to a flexible rubbery finish after its applied and allowed to cure, at the base of the air conditioning unit, chimney and roof valley to fix the problem.
   Karen was happy to report the roof no longer leaks. Karen has made a commitment to attend The Way Church with her son.