The Street Corner Commission
12/20/25
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
God gave us his very best, his Son. God won’t withhold any good thing from us.
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:11
It is such a blessing to watch God provide for the street community, physically yes, but even more importantly, spiritually.
Before worship and the sermon, we handed out hand warmers and emergency blankets to everyone and after worship and the sermon we shared a hot Christmas meal. Everyone was grateful for the emergency blankets, hand warmers and the hot meal with it being so wet and cold the last week.
During prayer, one lady said that she felt like the world was closing in on her and she didn’t feel safe on the street anymore. She has only been homeless for a couple of years and hasn’t become hardened yet. The minister shared with her that the best thing she could do when she was feeling helpless and overwhelmed was to read the Bible. We will keep praying that she learns to turn to God and his word when she is afraid and also that she is able to get into housing soon and then will be able to attend church on a regular basis.
A man that we have know for some time now shared that someone was threatening him. The man told the minister that the man was threatening him over who owned a bike. The minister encouraged this man not to get into a fight over the bike. After prayer the man seemed a to have some peace. We will continue to pray for his safety.
One man that has been to the corner a couple of times, after hearing the Good News of the Gospel once again, made the most important choice of his life, to put his trust in Jesus to save him!
What a busy, fun and hopeful day seeing so many people being blessed by God!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May God fill your Christmas celebration with the joy of God’s most precious gift, Jesus Christ!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Then I heard the LORD asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people, ‘Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.’ Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.” Isaiah 6:8-10
Wouldn’t it be strange for a person to know that they are supposed to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and yet God made it clear that the message would fail miserably.
How many Christians would sign on for that ministry?
Because we love Jesus, we desire to do great works for him. But it doesn’t matter what God calls us to do we are to leave the results to him.
So many faithful believers work their entire lives sharing Jesus without seeing any great movement of God being displayed. But when they stand face to face with our Savior they will see how many lives were impacted from their faithfulness to Christ and what he called them to do!
The Bible says to love the Lord our God with all our heart and all our mind and all our soul, this is our calling. We need to be encouraged that our love for God will bear more fruit than any of our well laid out plans of serving him.
Today on the street corner we were reminded of Matthew 20:28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many.
Everyone there today, whether it was the ministers that come out every week or a group from Oasis Church that joined us, stepped up and served in any way that was needed, what joy!
A younger man that was waiting for us to arrive asked for a pair of shoes as we set up for the day. During the prayer times he left with shoes that didn’t hurt his feet but more importantly he left after asking Jesus Christ to save him!
One lady shared that it didn’t seem like anyone cared what happened to her. She started crying as she shared this with the minister. During the prayer time the minister let her know how much God loved her and that he wouldn’t leave her nor forsake her. Please join us in praying that God would lead her to a safe place to stay.
A man wearing a brace on his leg and foot told the minister that the frame on his bike had broken and the front tire went flying off as he was riding down a hill causing the leg injury. He asked for some rain gear. When the minister gave him some rain gear his mouth seemed to fall open. He said he just wasn’t really expecting to get anything because things never work out for him. The minister told him that with God things that seem impossible become possible. We are praying that this man draws closer to his Savior.
When a minister asked a lady if she would be welcomed into heaven, she said, “That is a really difficult question.” So the minster shared the Good News of Jesus Christ with her and she asked Jesus to save her!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are so blessed to know so many faithful servants of Christ and we are so thankful for all of you!
Love,Steve and Donna
The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7
Enter his gates with thanksgiving go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalm 100: 4-5
It was a cold day out on the street corner, but you wouldn’t have know it from the warm love of Christ that was in the midst of everyone.
After an amazing sermon the street corner was filled with the sound of thankfulness to Jesus for all he has done for us as we celebrated with a Thanksgiving meal of hot turkey soup, pizza and pumpkin pie with whipped cream.
Right after the sermon a lady asked if we could use some of the songs she knows in worship. She said that she has a difficult time worshipping when she doesn’t know the words. She is a very sweet lady and is simple, so reading isn’t easy for her, so we were happy to look at the songs she knew, and they were songs that were filled with the truth of Jesus. We will try to get some of them into the song books so that she can worship her Savior.
One of the ministers brought a pair of size 13 shoes for a man. He was really grateful for the shoes but even more grateful that people come out to the street corner to share the Savior!
A man shared during the prayer times that he hadn’t been to the street corner in about nineteen years, and he couldn’t believe that we were still there. He loves Jesus but just hasn’t been able to get into housing. Please join us in praying that God would open a door for him.
One lady told the minister that she needed some things for her and her daughter. She knows Jesus but struggles with addiction. We are praying for God to intervene.
When asked if he would be welcomed into heaven, one man replied that he was a good person. The minister went on to explain that the Bible is clear, and a person has to be perfect to go to heaven and then went on to share the Good News of the Gospel with this man. The man made the most important decision of his life and placed his trust in Jesus!
We are so thankful for all Jesus has done and its such a blessing to see the street community, not just thankful for the items they receive but really thankful to Jesus. Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, provide you with every spiritual blessing!
Love,
Steve and Donna
11/22/25
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18
What a blessing to be serving with so many believers from different churches on the street of Tacoma.
Oasis Church led the street community in an anointed time of worship. And then they provided two different types of delicious chili.
With so many ministers on the corner each person had the opportunity to spend quality time listening to and praying with the street community.
And all the ministers worked together to bless not just the homeless but to bless one another, helping wherever it was needed and stepping aside to let others minister when necessary.
It was a picture of what heaven will be like, everyone having a blessed time by blessing everyone else!
One man came walking up to the street corner wearing only one shoe. The foot that only had a sock on was wet and instead of sitting in a chair he laid down on the sidewalk and went to sleep. One of the ministers had brought him shoes and he left wearing the shoes and with a stomach full of hot chili. Please join us in praying for this man that the care and prayers he received would draw him closer to Jesus.
One lady that showed up today was there with her adult son. She has placed her trust in Jesus but still hasn’t been able to stop the drugs. We are praying that God would set her free.
Her son asked for a Bible which we were happy to provide. He is named after one of the apostles and he has put his trust in Jesus.
Generational homelessness and drug use is really difficult to overcome and increasingly we see this on the street corner.
Please join us in praying for the Holy Spirit to move throughout the state to set people free, especially the people that have put their trust in Jesus.
One younger lady that we had only met one time before made the most important choice of her life to put her complete trust in Jesus!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We give thanks to our glorious Savior for you!
Love,
Steve and Donna
For everyone will be tested with fire. Mark 9:49 Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live at peace with each other. Mark 9:50
Salt was used to sprinkle on a sacrifice so that God’s people would remember his faithfulness.
We also know that the Son did not come to help angels he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be make in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 2:16-18
This High Priest of ours understands our weakness, for he faced all of the same testing we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:15-16
Pressure treated wood is made by putting it under pressure so that it doesn’t rot as quickly as unpressurized wood. Another way to keep lumber from rotting is to treat it with a burning process.
God allows his children to be pressure treated, tested by fire, but he is faithful and will be with us and help us.
As we set up for worship and a sermon on the street corner today more people kept showing up. Sadly, as we set up we had to be careful where we walked because there was poop on the ground, not dog poop.
After an insightful sermon from the book of John we set up for prayer, coffee and pizza that a faithful minister brought once again.
One minister jokingly said to a lady, that this was probably the best pizza she’d had all morning. The lady shared that it was the best pizza she had in six months.
One man who started crying during the sermon shared that he was looking for his daughter. He and his daughter are both homeless and they try and meet at different places to check on each other once a week. The minister shared that last Sunday as he left church he drove by the mission and this man’s daughter was being arrested. The man said that he and his daughter were both arrested that day for trespassing but later released. Please join us in praying for them, that God would intervene in their life.
During the prayer times one man told the minister that he had a seizure. This man had been staying in a motel that the state provided for him but was now back on the street. After hearing the sermon on sin having consequences, and sharing how terrible the seizure was, he walked across the street and sat down with another person and started smoking drugs. (We know because of the terrible cat urine odor it has). It is heartbreaking to know that this man is continuing to do the things that cause him harm but we know that God can break through to him and deliver him and we will keep praying!
A lady we hadn’t met before stated that she didn’t believe in the Bible that it was written by ‘men’ and it was just like a telephone book. Sad, that she was so blinded by the demonic that she couldn’t see. We are praying that she comes back and God opens her eyes to the Light of the world.
One man that we had met before but is always in a hurry to leave, was once again wanting to leave in a hurry after getting a warm coat. But instead of leaving with just a warm coat, he left with his faith put in the Living God!
Please join us in praying for the street community. It can be difficult to see people living so far below the poverty line of what God intended for them, and we aren’t talking about physical need but spiritual.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May the God of hope fill your hearts with gratitude for all he has done for us all!
Love,
Steve and Donna
11/8/25
“LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely to into harbor! Psalm 107:28-30
As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!” Luke 8:23-25
It is interesting that Jesus didn’t rebuke the disciples with, “Don’t worry this isn’t a bad storm, I’ve seen worse.” No, they were in real danger.
Jesus also didn’t keep the storm from happening. He allowed them to experience it.
He didn’t rebuke them for calling out to him.
What he did rebuke them for was their lack of faith in him during the storm.
No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. Joshua 1:5
When the storm hits, Jesus is right there with us, and he is in control even when it seems that he is sleeping.
After a week of rain, we headed out to the street corner with the expectation of people in need of anything warm and dry. When we pulled up to the corner a group from Oasis Church was waiting for us. It is always fun to have them join us!
The group from Oasis Church sang acapella as everyone joined in for worship.
After a sermon based on the book of John, we set up for prayer, coffee and pizza.
One man shared during the prayer time that he has colon cancer. This man had given up using drugs and was really desiring to stay close to Jesus. After one of the ministers prayed down some holy fire on him, we provided some warm dry clothes for him. His clothes were soaking wet and muddy. His shoes were worn through, and one minister helped him put on the new socks and shoes we provided for him because his hands were too cold to put them on himself. Please join us in praying that the storm this man is going through right now leads him closer to Jesus and not away.
There was garbage all around the street corner and down the block when we showed up today, so a group went out and picked up garbage. Garbage is a sign of a spiritual condition that manifests in the physical.
A little later a couple walking a dog came over and asked who we were and what we were doing. The minister shared with him that we were out there to share Jesus with people and provide some warm clothing to those that needed it. The couple saw people picking up trash and were so excited that it was being picked up. They were from the apartment building, and they take their dog walking, and the dog always tries to get into the garbage.
We have been praying that people from the apartment building would start showing up and come to know the reason we have hope. Before the couple left a minister prayed with them. We never know how God is going to use the light we shine to witness to someone, even picking up garbage!
At the end of the day, it seemed that everyone just wanted to stay.
After loading the bus up for the day, a man walked up with a chain around his neck. The man was wet and looked like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Once again, the chain on the neck was a spiritual condition manifesting in the physical. After a minister prayed with him, he left, but we are continuing to pray that this man would come to know that with Jesus the storm doesn’t have to end in destruction.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We pray that Jesus would bring healing and peace in the midst of the storm.
Love,
Steve and Donna
Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Sing to the LORD praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Psalm 96:1-3
When we headed to the street corner today, we knew that the weather was going to be stormy. It was supposed to rain and there was a wind warning in effect. But as we prayed on the way to town, we felt God fill us with joy and looked forward to what he was going to do.
As we worshiped the sun broke through and we could feel the air warming up but we kept thinking that the weather would change.
During the sermon the weather continued to stay warm and sunny.
Setting up for coffee and prayer, a man that said last week he prayed because he was hungry and then turned the corner and there we were, brought his girlfriend and her friend today. He shared that he was encouraging his girlfriend to come to the street corner, and she asked if there would be food. He told her he couldn’t promise that there would be food. When he saw that one of the ministers who faithfully brings pizza had brought food, he praised God!
One of the ministers spent about fifteen minutes just listening to this man tell his story of how he had gotten stabbed and the doctors said he wouldn’t be able to walk and how he had been in prison and came to the realization that choosing his own way wasn’t working and decided to follow Jesus and that God healed him.
After hearing the sermon and when a minister shared the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the girlfriend of the man above asked Jesus to save her!
And then the friend of the girlfriend, after hearing the sermon and the Gospel asked Jesus to save her!
The man that brought the two women upon hearing that they had asked Jesus into their life was so happy and said that next time we are on the corner he wants to bring at least four more people. This man has such a tender heart for God! Such encouragement to us!
One man told a minister that he is an advocate for the homeless. He said he goes around and points people to different resources. The minister shared with him that we point people to Jesus, the greatest resource of all. The man explained that he wasn’t into religion because of what he went through as a child. It’s heartbreaking to hear some of the stories that homeless people have. The minister shared with this man that eternity is forever and unless someone has put their trust in Jesus they will be lost for all eternity. The man chose to walk away without trusting Jesus, but we will be praying that he comes back and doesn’t allow what happened to him as a child to keep him from finding peace in Jesus.
A lady that we have known for some time showed up at the end of the day and even though physically she looked in tough shape, she seemed mentally to be in a much better place. We will continue to pray that she will heal physically, mentally and spiritually.
Right before we got on the bus to leave for the day a man walked up looking for a warm coat. He left with a warm coat but most importantly with having put his trust in Jesus Christ!
As we pulled away from the street corner there was nothing but sunshine and blue skies but as we drove home for the day the wind started blowing so hard the traffic lights were completely horizontal and the rain was pouring down. What an amazing God we serve! Thank you Jesus!
And thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission! God is so good to us, and we pray that you also experience the goodness of God in very practical ways this week!
Love,
Steve and Donna
10/18/25
In the last days, the mountain of the LORD’s house will be the highest of all- the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. People from many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For the LORD’s teaching will go out from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:2-3
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35
What a blessed day on the street corner as we were joined by the Oasis Church and a couple of friends from the Christian Motorcycle Association.
As we pulled up to the street corner the parking spot was open, which for the last few months the entire street has been filled with cars and then the rain held off until we were on our way home.
But the greatest blessing was gathering with other believers to worship and honor God through serving the homeless! Oasis Church led worship and as we worshiped God the sun broke thru and shined down right on the cross.
After worship and the sermon our friends from the Christian Motorcycle Association provided steaming hot chili and chips for everyone. During the prayer times one man shared that he had been really hungry because he hadn’t eaten for some time and asked God to provide for him. At that moment he turned the corner and there we were. He was praising God for providing!
One of the ministers felt led to ask a man that was sitting down on the curb what his story was. As the man started to share all the heartache that had gone on in his life the tears started flowing. We believe God was doing heart surgery. Please join us in praying that this man would return and God would continue to bring healing to this broken soul.
A man that we hadn’t met before had a large cut on his face along with multiple bruises. After a minister shared the Gospel with this man, he asked Jesus to save him! Please join us in praying that God would bring healing into his life.
A lady that sat across the street during worship and the sermon kept speaking evil loudly to herself. Sadly, she left before we had a chance to spend some time with her.
At the end of the day a man that had been clear headed the last few times he has come around was completely overcome by demons. He was threatening people and speaking evil about Jesus. We interrupted his thoughts a few times to get him to pause and be able to get some coffee, food and a warm blanket but then he would go right back into his demonic rant. Please join us in praying for him that God would break through the darkness in his mind and bring his life and light into his soul!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We thank God for you in our prayers every day!
Love,
Steve and Donna
No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Isaiah 58:6
How do we help those that are bound to chains of addiction, anger, depression and so many other sins?
Gently instruct those who oppose truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devils trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2 Timothy 2:25-26
We are called to share the truth of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32
So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36
Knowing Jesus is the only way to live in freedom!
As we set up for the worship and the sermon a couple showed up that we hadn’t seen in about three years. They were so excited that we were still on the corner sharing Jesus with whosoever came to the corner.
During the prayer times that same couple shared that their five-month-old son had died. And as devastating as that is they believe that they are called to minister to others that have gone through the same thing. Please join us in praying for them that God would use the pain they are going through for his glory.
One man that we hadn’t seen in a couple of months told the minister that he had been in jail for trespassing and some other charges. He wasn’t ready to admit that he had done anything wrong except for gathering some branches where he shouldn’t have. We are praying that he would get honest before God and confess his sins so that he could be set free from the guilt that plagues him.
Another man that we hadn’t seen in about a month said that he was also in jail. He also said he had been trespassing. But unlike the man above he admitted his guilt. We know that this man will be set free from guilt and shame because he has been honest with God.
There are so many lives that have been destroyed by drug addiction, please join us in praying for each person that has been held captive by Satan due to drug addiction to have the chains they carry fall to the ground as they come into agreement with the truth of Jesus Christ!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Praying that God’s glorious love would fill your hearts with peace.
Love,
Steve and Donna
9/27/25
God has a purpose for everything. I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Jeremiah 1:5
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! Psalm 139:16-17
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 2 Thessalonians 1:11
God’s ultimate plan for us is to be conformed to the likeness of Christ. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
According to his purpose assures us that our life is part of his divine plan, things happen for a reason.
Today during a powerful message of forgiveness a young man that we hadn’t met before interrupted the pastor and said he had some questions. The pastor told the young man that they would talk after the sermon.
After the sermon the pastor spent a good amount of time answering questions the young man had. When they were done talking the young man walked off having his questions about forgiveness answered. Please join us in praying for this young man to take to heart what he learned.
During the prayer times a lady wept as she shared that the sermon had spoken to her and the love she felt as the ministers had cared for her over the years. This lady has put her trust in Jesus but today she was ready to lay down the addiction and desired to follow Jesus. As a minister prayed with her and talked to her she told her about the New Life program that is not just about addiction but about following Jesus. The lady is going to try and get into the New Life program!
The older man that has been acting out the last couple of months showed up apologizing for his bad behavior. He asked for forgiveness. The older man understood that when he was sent away it wasn’t because we were angry at him but to discipline him so as to help him change the way he was behaving. He can’t hear God speak through the message when he’s acting out and he keeps others from hearing God speak through the message when he is acting badly. Please join us in praying that he would draw closer to Jesus.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We thank God in our prayers for you every day!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Therefore, go am make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
The Street Corner Commission is to go and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples and to teach them to obey all the commands that Jesus has given us. For God knew his people in advance, and he
chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would become the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2
God wants us to be conformed to his Son and that is every believer’s destiny. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outburst of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Galatians 6:1
Don’t be misled-you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. Galatians 6:7-8
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:34-35
I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. John 15:9-12
Many believe that love is giving someone anything they want to make them happy.
Christians understand that the very best thing we have to offer is a relationship with Jesus Christ and coming to understand what it means to be in a relationship with Jesus Christ while learning to obey his commands this is true love.
It would be much easier to go to the street corner and just give things away. The street community would be happy, we could ease our consciences by thinking we are doing good, and of course Satan would be happy.
But that is not why we go we go to be a light in a dark world. We go to share Jesus and that loving Jesus means following him, not our own desires.
This message isn’t easy and it isn’t always welcomed.
As we set up for worship a minister waved over a man walking down the other side of the street. He was startled that the minister was waving him over but came over anyway. After worship and the sermon during the prayer times he was so thankful that he had been invited over to receive what God was speaking through the pastor. He had placed his trust in Jesus but he needed to be reminded to walk out the truth of God’s word by obeying him.
After a powerful sermon we set up for coffee and prayer. During the prayer times a lady said she was a good person and that is why she would be welcomed into heaven. The minister shared with her Romans 3:23, that we all fall short of God’s glorious standard and that the Good News of the Gospel Romans 6:23. The lady decided to make the most important choice in her life, asking Jesus to save her!
A lady that showed up last week and asked for a tent showed up today wanting her tent. She was told last week that to receive a tent she had to be at the street corner at 10:30am when we start the service. We don’t do this to be mean but to help the street community realize that the most important need they have is to trust Jesus and to follow him. If they blow off being on time they are failing to recognize their real need, the reason we go out. The lady didn’t show up until the end of the day and so she didn’t get the tent she had asked for. This isn’t easy to do for the ministers. We hate not being able to provide for someone’s needs but we have learned that it helps people in addiction to set boundaries and to have follow-through on our part. The lady understood this and seemed to welcome knowing that there are boundaries. Please join us in praying for her that she will come to understand her greater need is to follow Jesus.
On the way home from the street corner it was warm out and there happened to be a car accident that blocked traffic for a couple of miles. The bus doesn’t like the warm weather and started overheating. When it overheats it dies and doesn’t want to start again. Please pray for Steve as he works on the bus.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Our prayer is that our glorious God would pour out his presence on your life!
Love,
Steve and Donna
People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. Proverbs 10:17
It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17
It can be heartbreaking to send someone away whose behavior is disrupting everyone there. But we go to share the Gospel with everyone that comes to the street corner and when one person is causing problems for everyone, then we are sinning by not sending that person away.
As we worshiped Jesus Christ on the street corner today, God’s presence became very visible in the people he was speaking to. During worship a man we hadn’t met before sat down and just started crying as he lifted his hands to the sky and worshiped. A minister sat down beside him and put his hand on his shoulder and prayed. Not long after receiving prayer the man walked away. Whatever it was that he needed, God had provided it for him.
During the sermon a man came walking up with no shirt on and the sweat pants he was wearing was missing most of the pant leg on the right side and the left side of the pants were shredded. The man apologized for interrupting and sat down quickly. He then leaned over to one of the ministers and told him he just needed prayer. The minister, without disrupting everyone listening to the sermon, prayed for the man and then the man got up and apologized for interrupting again and left. God had once again, through prayer, provided whatever it was that this man needed.
After the sermon during the prayer times one man demanded that he be given some items that we didn’t have. He then demanded that they be brought next weekend and when the minister told him no he went and demanded them from another minister. The pastor tried talking with him to help him understand that his behavior the last couple of months had become disruptive and if it continued he would have to leave. At that he started yelling profanities at the pastor and headed to the coffee table wanting to grab things off the coffee table. So the pastor finally told him to leave and to come back when he had a little more self-control.
We have known this man for over fifteen years and the last five years we have seen him change from an angry impossible person to be around, to someone we enjoyed seeing every Saturday. Sadly, it seems he has been allowing Satan to torment him again. We love this man and know that with prayer, God can deliver him once again. Please join us in praying for him.
At the end of the day a lady came up and said that she just wanted to hear God’s Word. The minister explained that she had missed the sermon but we would be back next week and then went on to share Scripture with her. She left being fed by God’s Word.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We thank God for all of you in our prayers! (Sorry, no pictures were taken just too busy)
Love,
Steve and Donna
8/30/25
They traded truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabber’s haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand break their promises, are heartless and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too. Romans 1:25-32
Do not practice homosexuality having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin. Leviticus 18:22
Christians are to live by the truth of the Bible.
(Romans 1:25-32) lays out the effects of those that refuse to follow the standard that God gave to us in his Word.
It is far worse for someone who claims to know Jesus yet encourages people to sin, than if they had never known him.
“If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.” John 9:41
They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for sin. John 15:22
Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. John 15:6
But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! Luke 17:1
As believers we are accountable for our own sins but also if we lead others into sin.
It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. So watch yourselves! Luke 17:2-3
What a sad place we have come to in our nation where we don’t tell boys and men that they cannot become women, and girls and women that they cannot become men. It is especially sad when people that claim to follow Jesus don’t speak these truths that are very clear in the Bible.
It isn’t ‘love’ to lie to someone. We are to speak the truth in a gentle and respectful way. (1 Peter 3:15)
Today, after worship and when the sermon had just started a person came up on a bike wearing a pink hat and had a pink bag and pink glasses. This person stopped and asked what we were doing. The minister shared that we were holding a church service. This person then asked if we were giving out clothing and the minister said, “After the service.”
When the person rode up on the bike the minister wasn’t sure if it was a man or a woman but after hearing the person speak, the minister knew that God had created this person to be a man.
During the sermon the minister that spoke to the man could hear the man and a lady talking. When the pastor started speaking on the horrible shooting that took place, the people talking went quiet. That pastor shared how heartbroken he was about the shooting not just for the victims but also for the shooter because he will never have the chance to repent.
During the prayer times the man shared that he struggles with his gender. He also said that he was just getting into housing and wanted things to go better than they had in the past. The man believes in Jesus as his Savior but needs God to intervene in his life and turn it around. And we serve a mighty God who can do just that! When a minister came up and prayed with this man, the minister prayed that this man would come to understand that God made him perfect and that his identity would be found in Jesus Christ alone. The man in pink received all that was spoken and prayed for him and then shared that he was down the block before we got started and wasn’t even going to come up this way but someone said that we were handing out clothing. He recognized this meeting as a divine appointment by God.
After hearing the Gospel, a lady we hadn’t met before made the most important choice of her life, to trust in Jesus!
One man showed up today that had asked Jesus to save him back in June. And as several ministers prayed for him, it seemed like there were demonic things falling off of him. He was slightly bent over as the ministers prayed and it looked like he was shaking things off his arms and head. Please join us in continuing to pray for him to be set free.
A man that we hadn’t seen in a couple of months came up after the sermon and sat down next to the pastor and asked how he was doing? After spending time with the pastor instead of having the ministers pray for him he wanted to pray. He said he didn’t know how to pray and the minister told him just to talk to God. He prayed and afterward he was so excited that he had been able to do it. We will continue to pray that he continues to pray and talk with God!
An older man shared with a minister that his wife had passed away and that he knew that she loved Jesus and was in heaven. He said that somedays he just wanted to die and be with her. The minister shared with him that God wants us to choose life and trust him and then shared Deuteronomy 30:19. The verse seemed to minister to his heart in a way he hadn’t experienced before and he wanted it written down so he could go look it up in his Bible, back in his tent. It was almost like a weight had been lifted and God was letting this man know that drowning in addiction because he was mourning for his wife wasn’t honoring her or God.
While one of the ministers was talking to the man who had lost his wife and he was crying, a man that usually has very demonic language came over and tried to comfort the man that was crying. The last couple of months the ministers have seen a change in the man that is usually very demonic. Through many a powerful prayers, God is starting to minister to this man’s heart. This was an incredible scene to witness because of all the interactions we have had with this man for so many years. We will continue to pray that God will save him.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Please pray for us that God would give us the boldness we need to speak truth in every situation with mercy and grace.
Love,
Steve and Donna
Sin breaks fellowship with God.
Against you, and you alone, have I sinned I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgement against me is just. Psalm 51:4
Your wickedness will bring its own punishment. Your turning from me will shame you. You will see what an evil, bitter thing it is to abandon the LORD your God and not to fear him. I, the Lord, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken! Jeremiah 2:19
“Your own actions have brought this upon you. This punishment is bitter, piercing you to the heart!” Jeremiah 4:18 This is what the LORD says: Because of what you have done, I will cause your own household to rebel against you. I will give your wives to another man before your very eyes, and he will go to bed with them in public view. 2 Samuel 12:11
This is how the LORD responds: If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them do not let them influence you! Jeremiah 15:19
For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. Romans 6:7
So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11
If you claim to be without sin you deceive yourself and are not living in the truth. 1 John 1:8
Confession removes the barrier that sin creates.
But if you confess your sins to him, he is faithful and just and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7
Heading out to the street corner today we knew that it was going to be hot. So we loaded up with extra ice cold water for the street community.
Right after setting up for the day everyone was given a bottle of water to keep them hydrated, including the ministers. After a powerful sermon we set up the coffee table and a couple of the ministers provided ice cold lemonade and pizza.
During the prayer times the man that took two pairs of sunglasses last week, today demanded that the minster provide him with something that we didn’t have. The minister explained this to him and he went and asked someone else to make sure they provided it the next week. We have had a long history with this man and his angry outbursts. We continue to pray for him but until he confesses his sin to God and repents, Satan is going to have a foothold. Please join us in praying for him to turn back to Jesus in repentance so that he can experience the freedom from shame and guilt that is now condemning him and the reason he keeps having these bursts of anger.
A lady that loves Jesus shared during the prayer times that she hasn’t heard from her daughter in two years. After praying for her the minister shared that Jesus is a God of restoration that he loves to bring healing to families. We will continue to pray for the restoration of her daughter.
One lady after hearing the sermon she shared with a minister that she believed in Jesus. We are praying that she had a revelation during the sermon and was speaking truth because the last time she was at the street corner she said that she didn’t believe in Jesus.
After many other prayer times when we went to pack everything up one of the ministers couldn’t get up from the chair. He had been in the sun the entire time we were out and was feeling lightheaded. We were able to get him to the shade and make sure he drank some water. After praying and keeping a close eye on him, he started doing better.
Another minister also became dizzy in the heat. Please join us in praying for all the ministers to recover quickly and completely from the hot weather.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May the peace and strength of Christ reign in your heart!
Love,
Steve and Donna
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest ask him to send more workers into the fields. Matthew 9:36-38
Confused and helpless is a description for many of the people all around us. People need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, don’t wait to travel half way around the world to share it.
I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it. Matthew 13:17
This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 1 Peter 1:10
They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. 1 Peter 1:12
What an honor we have as believers in Jesus Christ to share what the prophets wanted to know about and the angels are eagerly watching for, grace through faith in Jesus Christ!
As we headed to the street corner one of our prayers were for more workers in the harvest field, not just for the corner we go to but for our nation as well.
When started to set up for the day on the street corner a man came up that showed up last week. He shared last week that he was going up to Seattle to share Jesus with people at Pioneer Square and today he was going to join us. It was an answer to prayer, not just for more workers in the harvest but also for another worker on the street corner! God is so good to us, knowing we had a couple of ministers that had other obligations this Saturday!
During the prayer times and as we helped people with some of their material needs a man decided to grab two pairs of sunglasses off the bus. In the natural realm this wasn’t a big deal but knowing that in the spiritual realm it is a big deal the minister had to call him out. The man flew into a rage. He knew what he did was wrong and instead of repenting he allowed Satan to have a foothold. Please join us in praying for him and the ministers in how to address him next week with love but also with truth.
A man who was desperately looking for a photo album that he had gotten from his daughter for his birthday last week found the album and was thankful to be able to share it with the ministers. As he shared some of his family stories and pictures he started crying. He was devastated that he hadn’t seen his grandchildren in a long time. We know we love a God who brings restoration to families and we are praying and believing that for this man who is working hard to stay off meth.
One man who we hadn’t seen in about six months shared that he was thankful for the sermon and to have a meal. He said he hadn’t eaten for some time. Not only did he get some pizza but he also was given a care package with non-perishable food to take with him.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are praying that you never lose your enthusiasm for sharing Jesus with others!
Love,
Steve and Donna
8/9/25
At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm. But when Sunballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdoties heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious. The all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion. But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves. Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.” Meanwhile our enemies were saying, “Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill then and end their work.” The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!” So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears and bows. Nehemiah 4:6-13
There are so many great things that believers can learn from Nehemiah about how to accomplish a task for the kingdom of God. The enemy of the Jews first started the attack by mocking the workers and what did Nehemiah do? His first response was to go to God in prayer.
The enemy of the Jews then started threatening the workers so once again Nehemiah prayed and then he set up guards to protect the workers.
Our guards are those people that will pray with us and for us.
The workers started getting tired just like anyone who has worked in ministry for some time. Nehemiah placed armed guards in the exposed areas. When workers in ministry start getting tired that is when they need strategic prayer partners.
Nehemiah also armed the workers. Believers are armed with the Word.
Today during the prayer times a lady shared that she had been living on Anderson Island for a few years and was going to Anderson Island Christian Fellowship because of Hank who had invited her to go to his church. She also shared that she had been to the street corner about ten years ago and is now going to Freedom River Outreach. It was good to see someone we hadn’t seen in a long time but it was also heartbreaking to know that she is back on the street. But we are encouraged because we know that because of those two churches she has a firm grasp on the Word and God can free her from addiction.
One lady that we hadn’t met before told a minister that she is Mother Nature. The minister replied that there wasn’t any such thing because God created everything. The minister was careful not to share that in a degrading way but just a matter of fact way. After prayer the lady stayed and talked with a minister for the entire day. The minister kept pointing her to Jesus. We are praying that she would come back and the Holy Spirit would breathe life into her.
A man that put his trust in Jesus last November and then was recently baptized shared with a minister that he was getting into a hotel room. When asked how long he would be able to be in the hotel room he said that would depend on him. It was amazing to see that he understood that his behavior and staying away from the drugs would keep him off the street. Please join us in praying that God would continue to bring restoration to his life and he would know that this is just the beginning of the amazing journey that God has for him!
At the end of the day a man walked up and stood about ten feet away. He didn’t look like he was living on the street but because people show up because they are led by the Holy Spirit to the street corner the minister asked him if he would like a cup of coffee. He started telling the minister that he was from Seattle and did the same thing up at Pioneer Square and was excited to see other people out sharing Jesus. We will be lifting him up in prayer that God would give him a boldness to proclaim the Gospel!
We are so thankful for everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are praying for all of you! Love,
Steve and Donna
7/26/25
“Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the LORD is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” 1 Samuel 24:4
But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe. He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the LORD’s anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him.” So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul. 1 Samuel 34:7
Twice David had the ability to kill Saul, (also in 1 Samuel 26:11) and twice David had to stop himself from going against what God had said that Saul was the anointed king. David was being prepared to be the king that God had called him to be and waiting was a part of his preparation.
Waiting is hard to do.
President Trump had to wait 4 years for a second term. In that time of waiting he planned and was prepared for his second term more than if he had two terms one after the other.
What are you waiting for?
Ministry opportunities, loved one to know Jesus? We had to wait to go out to the street corner until we were getting over this virus.
What are you doing while you wait?
Waiting should be a time for studying the Bible, praying and growing closer to God. I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:1-3
When we wait patiently for God’s perfect timing we can trust that he will lift us out of despair and put a song of praise on our heart and we become a witness to unbelievers and an encouragement to believers.
As some of you know we had been sick for a couple of weeks and weren’t able to go to the street corner. Thank you to everyone that has been praying for us, we are feeling much better but still a little tired.
As we headed to the street corner today we knew that three of the ministers that usually join us had other commitments and still a little tired we knew we had to just hand it over to God and allow him to provide the strength and energy.
When we first arrived at the corner nobody was there but as we started to set up for the day people started showing up. After worship and before the sermon the pastor shared with the street community that Skippy, whom many of them knew had gone home to be with Jesus. Skippy, for those of you that didn’t know him was on the streets for a long time and then he gave his life to Jesus. He got off the street and started serving the homeless by serving coffee and praying with people. He was a brother in Christ and a friend and will be deeply missed.
One man was so thankful just to be there. He seemed to find rest in the worship and the sermon. This man shared during the prayer times that he has been running from God and he knows that God has a calling on his life. A couple months ago he shared how he thought he was having a heart attack and he knew God wanted him to stop using meth and as far as we know he hasn’t used it since. We believe God is doing an amazing restoration in this man and we look forward to all that God is going to do in him and through him.
As we set up for coffee a man that gave his life to Christ about 2 years ago and was just recently baptized asked if he could work the coffee table. He realized we were shorthanded and felt that God wanted him to help out. We were very thankful for the help.
One man who we hadn’t met before was able to recite Matthew 5 and 23. It was encouraging to see someone that loved God’s word so much.
Another man that we hadn’t met before made the most important decision in his life to put his trust in Jesus!
A man that had just broken three ribs told the minister that there wasn’t anything they could do at the hospital for him that he was supposed to do breathing exercises. As the minister shared the Gospel with him he broke down and started crying but his tears turned to joy and peace when he put his faith in Jesus!
Everyone just wanted to stay today, it seemed that no one was eager to leave so much so that we had to ask for the chairs back as we tried to pack up for the day.
God’s presence brings peace and joy and many on the streets are desperate to have that peace and joy. It seemed like an eternity waiting to go back out with the street community but we trust God’s reasons for the things that happen and God abundantly blessed our time today.
Trust in God’s timing for the small things and the big things, he loves us and knows what is not just good but best!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. So thankful for your prayers that carried us through the very busy day!
Love,
Steve and Donna
6/21/25
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
As we set up on the street corner today a younger lady that asked Jesus to save her a couple weeks ago, asked to talk to a minister. She said that she owed someone money and they were threatening her if she didn’t pay. The minister prayed with her for protection and that the Holy Spirit would strengthen her to stay away from the drugs.
Since the rain was pouring down we set up the awning and the umbrella over the table and everyone was able to stay dry while we were there.
The man that was baptized last month and the lady that asked Jesus to save her last Saturday were listening intently to what the Pastor was speaking on. They, like Mary in the Scripture above, desire to know Jesus better!
During the prayer times a man that showed up when we started setting up for the day and then left before worship started and didn’t return until the last ten minutes of the sermon said he had to go help a friend. He said, “Jesus helped people, and I needed to help someone.” The minister shared with him that it is good to do good but it is better to be in God’s Word. This man, like Martha, chose what is good but not what is best.
After the sermon and during the prayer times the lady that put her trust in Jesus last week spent the entire day asking really good questions and listening to what the minister shared about Scripture.
One man said that because he was good to others he would be welcomed into heaven. The minister shared with him that the Bible is clear, that God only accepts those that are perfect. The minister went on to share that no one is perfect but Jesus. Jesus lived a sinless life and took on the sins of the world and died on the cross to pay the price for sin that we couldn’t. That he rose on the third day to make intercession for those that put their trust in Jesus. The man made the most important choice of his life, to trust in Jesus!
At the end of the day as the ministers gathered up to pray before leaving, a man arrived that a couple weeks ago flew into a rage. When he showed up today he demanded some items from the bus and the minister explained we were getting ready to pray and he would have to wait. At this he flew into a rage, started yelling and stomped off. Please join us in praying that the Holy Spirit would release this man from his torment.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Our prayer is that we all become more like Mary and tarry at the feet of Jesus a little longer each day.
Love,
Steve and Donna
Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath your sword. Leviticus 26:8
The LORD will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven! Deuteronomy 28:7
Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God, “O LORD, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us O LORD our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. LORD, you are our God do not let mere men prevail against you! 2 Chronicles 14:11
“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16
Today as we headed out to the street corner we knew that there would be protests going on all over the city.
What we didn’t know was if we would be encountering any of the protesters on the street corner we are at.
What we did know is that God has called us to go and to share the reason we have hope in him, in season and out of season, and so we go. And what we also knew is that we had extra prayers being lifted up for the day and we were so grateful for them.
We didn’t encounter any of the protesters and we were thankful for that as many days we have our hands full with just the street community.
As we arrived at the street corner there was already a large group waiting for us.
One man that flew into a rage the last time we were out was there and apologized for his behavior.
During the sermon a lady who we hadn’t met before was paying close attention to what the Pastor was speaking on. But the man she came with decided they needed to leave when the Pastor was speaking on loving your neighbor and if you love your neighbor you wouldn’t sell that person drugs. We believe that he was being convicted and conviction brings either repentance or rejection of truth. Please join us in praying that he would return and when the Holy Spirit speaks to him, he would turn to God instead of running.
After listening to the Gospel preached one man who we hadn’t met before made the most important choice of his life and decided to put his trust in Jesus!
A lady shared with a minister that she wanted prayer to get off the drugs. We know that is a prayer that Jesus loves to answer and we can’t wait to hear how God has delivered her.
During the prayer times a man that we have prayed with a few times before shared how God was drawing him away from the drugs. He said he couldn’t get any of the credit for giving them up because he didn’t believe that it was him doing it. Thank you Jesus!
During many of the prayer times today people shared that they were tired of the drugs and wanted to stop. Most of these people have put their trust in Jesus and we know that it is the Holy Spirit speaking to them and giving them the desire to get off the drugs and to have clarity of mind to know Jesus better.
At the end of the day a lady told a minister that someone told her about the street corner and that she needed to be there. She asked for prayer to stop using drugs. The minister first shared the Gospel with her knowing that only Jesus can truly set a person free from sin and she asked Jesus to save her!
As with so many others today we know that God can set her free from the drugs so that she can live a life dedicated to Jesus.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May God give you peace and joy!
Love,
Steve and Donna
5/31/25
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:3-5
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:13
In every ministry that is gaining ground for Jesus Christ there will be a battle. For the LORD your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory! Deuteronomy 20:4
God fights for us!
But you have raised a banner for those who fear you-a rallying point in the face of attack. Psalm 60:4
The call has gone out and God is calling his children to stand for one another to fight against the enemy. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18
Moses arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. Exodus 17:12
Even Moses became tired after a long battle and needed his friends help.
Today was one of those days that were a battle from the beginning to the end.
During the sermon a couple men who we hadn’t met before stayed across the street talking as loudly as possible. Even with a speaker and microphone the pastor’s message was being drowned out.
One man that showed up today was really sick to his stomach and looked like he was running a fever. We will continue to pray for his healing.
An older man that is waiting for us on the street corner every week wanted two pairs of gloves and since we were running low on gloves (difficult to find in spring), the minister told him if he wanted to wait until everyone was able to be helped at the back of the bus he was welcome to another pair of gloves. This man flew into a rage and started cursing and yelling at everyone and then demanded that he be given another pair of gloves at which the minister said, “no.” At one point the minister had to put out a hand and tell him that he needed to leave.
During this time one of the men that had been across the street talking over the sermon was complaining because he needed to get something off the bus so he could go to work. But after getting some clothes and other items he sat back down and continued to eat. Guess he didn’t really need to catch the bus? During the prayer times this man had every excuse why he didn’t believe in Jesus. We will continue to pray that he comes back and is able to hear and receive the truth of Jesus Christ.
Another man that we hadn’t met before kept interrupting and wanting a pair of pants. He was grateful for the pants and especially for the prayer.
The entire day was filled with swords clanging (the word of God being shared against the backdrop of the enemy’s lies) and shields of faith being lifted up and in the midst of all of this when a minister shared the Gospel with a lady, she put her trust in Jesus! Thank you Jesus!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Thank you for being such a vital part of what we do out on the street!
Love,
Steve and Donna
David consulted with all his officials, including the general and captains of his army. Then he addressed the entire assembly of Israel as follows: “If you approve and it is the will of the LORD our God, let us send messages to all the Israelites throughout the land, including the priests and Levites in their towns and pasturelands. Let us invite them to come and join us. It is time to bring back the Ark of our God, for we neglected it during the reign of Saul. 1 Chronicles 13:1-3
David and al Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, singing songs and playing all kind s of musical instruments – lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. 1 Chronicles 13:8
But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark. The LORD’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God. 1 Chronicles 13:9-10
But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22
The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. For you have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.” Mark 12:32-33
When David first started to bring the ark back, he was celebrating and worshipping God. But enthusiastic worship doesn’t replace obedience. It is only through faith in Jesus and knowledge of his word, we can live in obedience.
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Obedience is having faith in what Jesus says about himself.
What a beautiful day on the streets of Tacoma.
During the worship and the sermon a man who just placed his trust in Jesus last November on the street corner was sitting with a big smile on his face. During the prayer times the man shared that when he was at the food bank at Freedom River Church they were baptizing people. He said he remained in the back and didn’t want anything to do with getting up in front of people but when they were almost finished he felt an intense feeling that he needed to be baptized and went up and was baptized! We could see the joy that was on his face from making such a public statement of faith. One of the ministers that works at the food bank was able watch him be baptized. The man shared that he didn’t know what it was that caused him to get up and be baptized so the minister was able to share with him that was the Holy Spirit prompting him to live in obedience to God.
One man shared that someone had taken all of his things even his dirty clothes. He couldn’t understand why someone would want to steal even dirty clothes. The enemy came to kill, steal and destroy and until people live in obedience to God this world will have people that believe they can take from others.
A man that said we had met him a long time ago shared that he would be welcomed into heaven because of his good works. When the minister tried to share what the Bible says about that, he said, “The Bible was written by men and has been compromised.” It was obvious to the minister that the man had made up a belief system of his own and wasn’t open to having a dialog about faith in Jesus. Sadly if he doesn’t repent and trust in Jesus he will one day stand in front of Jesus knowing that someone tried to share truth with him and he blew it off. Please join us in praying that he would return to the street corner and put his trust in Jesus.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Praying that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ would give you grace and peace.
Love,
Steve and Donna
He will rescue the poor when they cry to him he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him. Psalm 72:12-14
Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High. That is why he broke them with hard labor they fell, and no one was there to help them. “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom he snapped their chains. Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he broke down their prison gates of bronze he cut apart their bars of iron. Psalm 107:10-16
Out of the darkness into the light, out of chains of misery into a life filled with joy, that is Jesus!
Today on the street was busy, what a blessing. Of course the enemy was trying to cause chaos but with strategic prayer there was a peace over the entire day.
During the prayer times a man introduced us to his daughter. This is the man that said his heart had started racing the last time he smoked meth and he felt God was speaking to him to stop. He was still doing well today! We are praying that his daughter would be influenced by him following God and come to Jesus also.
A minister overheard a man that we hadn’t met before asking a lady why she seemed so different then she use to be. The lady shared that she stopped smoking meth. It’s wonderful to see her off the drugs and we are praying that she decides to not just believe that Jesus saved her but to make him Lord of her life.
One man who is tormented by demons sat through almost the entire sermon. After the sermon he went and shook the Pastors hand. He seemed to be free of the demonic influence at least for the time he was on the street corner and seemed to be able to hear what was preached and prayed. Please join us in praying that this man would put his trust in Jesus.
A young man that we have been praying to come to Christ for a year was able to listen to the entire sermon. After the minister shared the Gospel with him he gave his life to Jesus!
We are praying a hedge of protection around him that the gift he has received from Christ, the enemy would not be able to suppress in any way.
Busy day but seeing the fruit of years of prayer for many people start to bud and to top off the day, the weather report was for 90% chance of rain but it held off all day!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May God bless you and be gracious to you! Love,
Steve and Donna
5/10/25
The LORD
himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
Exodus 14:14
For we are
not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and
authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and
against evil spirits in heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
And everyone
assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword
and spear. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us! 1 Samuel
17:47
He said, “Listen,
all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what
the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for
the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
2 Chronicles 20:15
What battle are you facing today? Whether it is temptations such as an
addiction or even sharing the Gospel, God is in it with you and the battle is
his. Our responsibility is to trust God and to please him, not be perfect.
But when you
are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just
say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking,
but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11
Then Peter,
filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people,
are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled
man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you
and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of
Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the
dead. Acts 4:8-10
And God will
guide us by his Holy Spirit.
Today was a
battle right from the start. As the sermon started a man down the block on
Pacific Ave started yelling. He walked back and forth and across Pacific and then
back again yelling and looking up at us. But with the ministers taking
authority over the time and the street corner where we set up, the demonic
influenced man had to stay down the street and then finally left.
As we
started to pray for people in the order that they showed up to the street
corner one lady started swearing and getting angry because she had to wait for
the people that had come to the street corner before her. When the minister was
finally able to speak with her, she shared that her grandfather had died and
this was why she was so upset. After praying for God’s comfort to surround her,
she seemed to calm down. We know that hurt people, hurt people but we are
praying that she surrenders her life to Christ and heals from the worldly
responses to pain.
An older man
who has been coming to the street corner for some time was dealing with anger.
When the minister shared with him that Jesus loved him, the man seemed to have
a moment of clarity. At first he started talking about his mom having died a long
time ago but then went on to share that his step dad was abusive and that no
one should treat a child that way. He also shared that he was bitter because of
it. This is not something that this man has ever shared before and he spoke
very clearly which is not something he is usually capable of. He said that this
would make anyone bitter. The minister affirmed that it would make anyone
bitter but Jesus wants us to be free of any bitterness and that when we allow
bitterness in our life it opens a door to allow Satan to disrupt our life. At
this the man told Satan to get behind him and seemed to understand that he
needed to be free of the bitterness. Please join us in praying for him to
repent of the bitterness and allow God to heal his heart.
One man that
has shown up off and on for a couple of years shared how he had smoked some
meth a week ago and his heart started racing. The man said he asked God if he
was going to die and felt God told him no but that he needed to stop the meth!
The man said that he hadn’t done any meth since that day. The man asked for a
large print Bible and shared that he believed that God wanted him to do
ministry. We are praying that God would give him the strength to stay close to
Jesus.
A lady who
is always talking to herself and arguing with herself or an unseen demonic force
was once again being tormented. The minister bound Satan before ever speaking
with her and after this she was able to hold a short conversation. She shared
that her daughter is being trafficked by her sister. She has shared this many
times before. The minister that prayed with her had just listened to someone
speak on this very subject and was able to minister to her with some specific
prayer points: Once again the Holy Spirit directing the day for this divine
appointment.
One man said
that he didn’t hurt other people and that he hoped that would be enough to get
him into heaven. The minister shared the Gospel with this man and he gave his
life to Jesus! Thank you Jesus!
Thank you to
everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Praying
that with every battle you face, you would know that God is with you, for you
and guiding you!
Love,
Steve and
Donna
Jeroboam II, the son of Jehoash, began to rule over Israel in the fifteenth year of King Amaziah’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Samaria forty-one years. He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had led Israel to commit. 2 Kings 14:23-24
Can horses gallop over boulders? Can oxen be used to plow them? But that’s how foolish you are when you turn justice into poison and the sweet fruit of righteousness into bitterness. Amos 6:12
(If there are ten men left in one house, they will all die. And when a relative who is responsible to dispose of the dead goes into the house to carry out the bodies, he will ask the last survivor, “Is anyone else with you?” When the person begins to swear, “No, by …” he will interrupt and say, “Stop! Don’t even mention the name of the LORD.”) Amos 6:9-10
At this time in Israel there was so much evil that no one would dare even mention the name of God.
Just four months ago our country was heading the same direction. In parts of Europe just praying silently will get you put in prison.
When evil people rule, the country will cascade into evil.
Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your confessions, and return to the LORD. Say to him, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you praises. Hosea 14:1-2
The LORD says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever. I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like the lily it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. Hosea 14:4-5
Hezekiah trust in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before or after his time. 2 Kings 18:5
So the LORD was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did. He revolted against the king of Assyria and refused to pay him tribute. He also conquered the Philistines as far distant as Gaza and its territory, from their smallest outpost to their largest walled city. 2 Kings 18:7-8
Does any of this seem familiar?
President Trump stood at the White and stated that Easter is a day that we honor Jesus Christ.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to substitute the tribute for tariff.
Successful in everything he does.
Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. Hosea 14:8
Today as the worship music started a couple of men walked up that we had never met before. The men looked a little rough around the edges as they stood back and watched what was going on. After a few minutes went by they sat down and stayed for the sermon. As we set up for coffee and a hot meal one of the two men started helping set things out. During the prayer times this man shared with a minister that he believed in Jesus. The second man that had walked up with the other man shared that he was just there because he wanted prayer. He said that he trusted Jesus to deliver him from the drugs but wanted prayer for Jesus to help him.
A lady that we hadn’t met before was so bent over from the drugs she had a difficult time standing up to receive prayer. We’ll continue to pray for her deliverance.
As we were serving a hot meal a man started to walk by and a minister asked him if he would like some hot food. He said that would be nice. During the prayer times, when asked if he had placed his trust in Jesus he said, “That’s a difficult question. I try to be good to others.” Then he went on to share that he had taken care of a person for a long time and this person had died. He said that she went to church every Sunday and always wanted him to go with her. He also said that he was struggling with her passing. The minister went on to share that he didn’t walk down that alley by accident and that God had arranged a divine appointment for him. That if his friend was in heaven and he wanted to see his friend again he needed to put his trust in what Jesus did for him on the cross. The man made the best choice of his entire life and trusted Jesus to save him!
As we were praying for people a car pulled over and two younger women wanted to know what we were doing. The minister shared that we were sharing the Gospel and praying with people. The younger women said they are nursing students and wanted to help with the homeless. They offered to stop by and help with taking peoples blood pressure and different things like that.
It seems that God has given America a stay from judgement for a time. Let’s use this time to the best of our ability to freely give what we have freely received.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Praying that God would bless you and strengthen you for the adventure ahead!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7
Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22
So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek first the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:31-33
As believers we are called to put God first in our life, even before the worries. Many of our concerns are serious and deserve careful thought but we are not to put God aside because we have worries, even serious ones.
Trusting Jesus is the key to turning our burdens over to him.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:28-30
For most people, it takes time to trust someone even after they have put their trust in Jesus to save them from their sins it is not until they grow in a relationship with Christ that they learn to trust in his plan. Of course obedience is a part of that growth.
A lady we had never met before shared that she believed in Jesus. She went on to share a story of how she was going to do something in a fit of anger and that she jumped in her car and the key wouldn’t turn. Then she was going to get out of the car and take a friend’s car but the key in her car wouldn’t come out so she couldn’t even leave the car. She shared how God kept her sitting in the car until she repented and as soon as she repented the key came out so she could get out of the car. She knows she needs to continue to trust Jesus for every situation but is struggling with it. Please join us in praying for her to rely completely on Jesus and continue to turn away from things that are harmful to her and others and that she would be able to get into housing.
One man that put his trust in Jesus last year has been reading his Bible. He shared how Moses had to wander in the wilderness before he was called by God to deliver the Israelites. We are so thankful that he is reading his Bible and we are praying that he would continue to trust God to give him the strength to stop using drugs.
Towards the end of the day a man came walking down the alley. A couple of the homeless people looked at each other and one shot a look over at the man walking down the alley. When we looked over we thought that maybe it was someone that was selling drugs. But the man had such a look of hate on his face that if looks could kill we would all have died. Sadly to those that are perishing the ten foot cross we have up is a reminder that they stand condemned. Even the homeless didn’t want anything to do with this man but we are praying that he comes back to the corner and that Jesus would transform him and he would find rest for his soul!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Praying that God would bless you and make his face shine upon you!
Love,
Steve and Donna
4-12-25
I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121:1-2
Our help is from the LORD, who made the heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
On the streets we don’t demonstrate perfection but what we do demonstrate is a trust in God’s plan for our life and the calling he has for each one of us.
As we were setting up for worship and the sermon today a lady pulled over and got out of her truck. She said that she knew we were getting ready for a church service but asked if we could help her with her uncle. Her uncle is getting evicted from the place he has been living and has had a stroke. We had never met this lady before but she somehow knew where to turn to seek help, no, not from us but from Jesus working through us.
When we make ourselves available to God in whatever capacity that he desires, the name of Jesus Christ is honored.
As the worship started a man that carries multiple demonic spirits came and sat down by a man that has anger issues. The man that has anger issues got up so quickly that he almost knocked over his chair and then grabbed his things and moved to a chair in the back. The man with anger issues had a difficult time settling down after that and the man that carries multiple demonic spirits took off.
We know that the demonic hates that we shared the Gospel with people and encourage them to walk with Jesus so it might have been trying to disrupt the service or just the man with anger issues. But either way we are praying for them both! So what the enemy intended for evil God will use for good!
During the prayer times one man shared that he was in some pain. He said that his leg was swollen but didn’t say why it was. This man has been trying to walk with Jesus again and we are praying and hoping that his leg isn’t swollen due to drug use. We know that Jesus can set him free from the drugs and has done it before.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are so grateful to know so many people that honor the name of Jesus Christ by sharing the hope we have in him!
Love,
Steve and Donna
3/29/25
“Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. No, I will not unleash my fierce anger, I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy. For someday the people will follow me, I, the LORD, will roar like a lion. And when I roar, my people will return trembling from the west. Hosea 11:8-10
As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from you wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die? Ezekiel 33:11
No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Have you ever heard someone make the statement that they like the God of the New Testament but not the God of the Old Testament as if they were different?
But God has always been a God of mercy that reaches out to everyone.
As today was the last Saturday of the month we took a hot meal out to share with the street community after worship and the sermon.
After the worship a minister shared with everyone what had taken place in his neighborhood the night before. Some young people had a party and instead of just a few friends showing up about 200 people showed up. The minister walks around his neighborhood at night praying and so he saw everything that was taking place. The people at this party were drinking and smoking weed. They were being obnoxious and disrespectful to the neighbors. And then a fight broke out. Four young people ended up being shot and two of them died. It would be easy to see this happening and to shrug our shoulders and say they got what they deserved running with this crowd.
But as believers we know that we are sinful and that without the mercy of God any one of us could easily end up in a similar situation.
It is the same for going out to the street to reach people that have made really bad choices.
Not all are on the streets because of their choices but most are. But recognizing that we are all in need of forgiveness, mercy and the love of God, we go.
As we were setting up for the day one of the ministers shared that friends of his were looking for their daughter, she has been missing for a couple of months. Please join us in praying for her safe return, her name is Christa.
A man that has family in North Carolina shared that he was finally able to contact his mom and dad. He hasn’t been able to contact them since the hurricane. Thank you Jesus for answered prayer!
During the prayer times one lady shared that she thought she could go to heaven because she was a good person and helped others. The minister explained to her that while it is always a good thing to help others we can’t do enough good to go to heaven and that it took Jesus who was sinless to pay the price for our sins and believing in him by confessing with our mouth Jesus is Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9). The lady made the most important choice in her life, to follow Jesus!
When a minister asked a man we hadn’t met before if he knew Jesus, he said he did. But then the minister asked if Jesus knew him. The man then said that he was Muslim. The minster shared with this man that Muhammad didn’t die for him and didn’t raise from the dead and couldn’t save him. The man walked off in a huff after this. We are praying that he would come back and that Jesus would save him.
At the end of the day a lady came to the street corner that we hadn’t met before and when the minister shared the Gospel with her she asked Jesus to save her!
Another exciting day on the street!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May the mercy of God touch your heart in a new way.
Love,
Steve and Donna
“Stop and think! Do the innocent die? When have the upright been destroyed?” Job 4:7
The Scripture above is just one example of what many Israelites in the Old and New Testament believed that suffering didn’t come to those who followed God. But Jesus made it clear that suffering comes to all and especially to those who follow him.
“Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” Luke 13:2-5
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parent’s sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parent’s sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” John 9:1-3
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. John 15:22
People of the world and yes, sadly even some Christians seem to try and ease their fears of suffering by believing that someone’s suffering is always caused by their own actions. But that is clearly not what Jesus taught.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all our comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
God has given his children the ability to provide comfort that people that belong to the world can’t access and don’t understand. Don’t look away from those that are suffering, run to them.
What a beautiful day! The sun was out and it wasn’t freezing cold.
During worship a large eagle landed on a telephone pole near us and stayed there until the end of worship.
During the prayer times one man said his chest had been hurting. He said he wasn’t going to be able to get into see the doctor for a couple of weeks. He was coughing and very congested so the ministers prayed for his healing. We know the great Healer! Before the minister prayed with him another minister helped him to put on some shoes that were provided for him. This minister not only helped him to put the shoes on but made sure the laces were tightened and then tied so they wouldn’t come undone.
One lady shared with a minister that she was pregnant. The minister also works with care net and was able to provide this lady with the information that would help her to have the care that her and her baby needed. He also prayed with her and provided her with the spiritual care that she needed.
During a prayer time one man that so many times before seems to ignore what the minister is sharing with him really seemed to receive what God was speaking through the minister and when he left the corner he was so thankful for the prayer.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Thank you for running to the suffering with us!
Love,
Steve and Donna
The Israelites celebrated seven different festivals.
Those times of celebration were meant to remind Israel of God’s deliverance, God’s provision, times of joyful thanksgiving, leaving the old way of life behind, restored fellowship and renewed commitment to trust God.
Monday is St. Patrick’s Day. And most believers know the story of St. Patrick, that he was English and enslaved by the Irish and when he escaped he became a Bishop and then did the unthinkable by returning to Ireland to share the Gospel with the people living there. He could have been put to death for having been a runaway slave but instead God used him to reach the lost.
Maybe it’s time for Christians to start reclaiming our heritage and times of celebration.
One of the ministers had a group staying at his house this month and their last day they had a celebration meal. They didn’t limit their celebration to their own ‘group’ but included people from the neighborhood as well.
Christians have the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, we have reason to celebrate and to show others through our celebrations of loving each other and loving the lost, what people who are of the world are missing people that encourage one another and pray for each other and hope the best for them.
But you are not like that for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
All week long we had been praying for the rain to hold off for Saturday morning, but Saturday morning, before we left home to head to the street corner it was still predicting a ninety percent chance of rain. The rain makes it so much more difficult for someone to listen to God’s truth because they are cold. But when we arrived at the street corner it wasn’t raining and it didn’t rain until we were already on our way home. Thank you Jesus!
After the sermon one man who carries multiple demons and is usually manifesting two or more of them when he shows up walked over to the Pastor with his arms opened wide and wanted a hug. This man was having a moment of clarity and we thank God that he knew he could get kindness and love at the street corner. He then seemed to want to talk to the Pastor but after a few minutes of struggling to speak there was a complete change in his appearance and he walked off speaking demonically. Please join us in praying for him to put his complete trust in Jesus and be delivered from the demonic.
One man that we hadn’t seen in a long time showed up at the corner. His friends said he had just been released from a mental institution. He wasn’t wearing any pants and even though it wasn’t raining the wind made the temperature feel much colder than it actually was. This man was wearing just some long underwear that was falling off. He couldn’t speak well but after prayer and getting warm clothing and a sleeping bag, he curled up and went to sleep right there on the sidewalk. Its times like this that makes reaching out to the homeless heartbreaking. But thank you Jesus that he was there and received prayer!
The man that told us he had lost his housing last week brought a friend with him. He told a couple of the ministers that he was going to bring someone with him every week. This man lost his housing due to addiction but he knows where to find forgiveness and healing, no, not from us but from Jesus Christ and he wants others to experience that forgiveness.
Everyone that showed up today on the street corner was cold and without warm clothing. But after the prayer times everyone wanted to stay and experience the goodness of God!
Thank you to everyone who prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are so thankful for the goodness of God that you show to us and the street community by supporting the Street Corner Commission!
Love,
Steve and Donna
3/8/25
My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Psalm 119:71
Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go, whether to the right or to the left. Then you will destroy all your silver idols and your precious gold images. You will throw them out like filthy rags, saying to them, “Good riddance!” Isaiah 30:20-22
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4
God often uses suffering to draw unbelievers to himself. The circumstance of the suffering, whether it was caused by our own rebellion or just from living in a world with sin and disease doesn’t really matter.
Right now God is using the President of the United States to slow the flow of drugs that have been pouring into our country, an answer to prayer.
Of course for someone that has been getting drugs cheap and with easy access to them, they don’t see this as a blessing.
Yes, it will be a time of suffering but God is so good and wants that none should perish so He can use the suffering of addiction withdrawals to bring people to himself. We are so thankful that God doesn’t give up on people!
Today was another busy day. When we drove up to the street corner today there wasn’t anyone waiting on the corner. Before we finished the first worship song the seats were full. With everyone we saw today there was a real openness to receiving God’s truth for their life.
One man that we have known for a couple of years and has been staying close to God shared that he had lost his housing and was now back on the streets. It seemed as if he had been doing so well that other things in his life had taken priority over following Jesus. Without putting Jesus first in his life he had started using drugs again. But after losing his housing he finally realized that Jesus needed to be first again. We are praying that he turns to God and stays close to Jesus and is able to go back home to visit for his daughters sixteenth birthday.
A minister asked one man who had given his life to Christ last summer, if he intended to start working. The man said he was hoping to get on Social Security. Maybe he has worked in the past, maybe for many years and is old enough to go on Social Security but if he isn’t old enough it would most likely be best if he didn’t get on Social Security because that would give him money with too much free time to spend on things that could cause him to stumble. We can tell that God is working in him and God knows what is best for this man so we are praying that God’s perfect will would be done in his life.
One lady shared with a minister that she was kicked out of the mission for ninety days. She said she told them that she was going outside for a while and so they kicked her out. There is usually more to the story then what we hear. But she was sure that they were completely wrong and she was right. We are praying that the Holy Spirit would help her to understand that there are always two sides to a story.
The homeless are struggling right now and with compassion and prayer we are hoping more of them turn to the only one that can truly help them, Jesus.
A man that had a mocking spirit at the end of last month was there today and seemed to be more open to hearing what Jesus had done for him. So the minister shared the Gospel with him and he put his trust in Jesus! What a transformation, last week he was mocking Christ and after confessing Jesus as his Savior this man saw one of the ministers struggling to pick up some trash and the man ran over and wanted to pick up the trash himself. What an amazing God we serve!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Please join us in praying that the pain of withdrawals would end in the blessed assurance of Jesus Christ!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
Don’t worry about anything instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your heart and minds as you live in Christ. Philippians 1:6-7
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you have received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
When ministering to people out on the street, there are times that our hearts get heavy. We want so much for the people we meet to not just trust Jesus to save them but to live for him.
And when we see some of them doing the same destructive behaviors over and over, it breaks our heart. But we aren’t God and don’t get to decide when or if they turn to Jesus and live for him.
But we do get to go before the throne of God and lift these people up in prayer! And we have a merciful God that listens to us when we pray and receives our prayers as a holy offering!
Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out. Revelation 8:3-4
Knowing that God hears our prayers should fill us with an expectation of something glorious taking place in the lives of those we pray for.
Last weekend we didn’t go to the street corner because of the flu so we weren’t sure what to expect for the day. But as the worship started more and more people kept showing up which is always a blessing.
One person, during the sermon started mocking the sermon. This man carries multiple demons and struggles to have one coherent thought. We were glad he was there, because there is no better place for him to be then listening to God’s Word being preached. We will continue to pray for his deliverance.
A lady that we hadn’t met before shared with a minister that she needed someone to help her. The minister told her that Jesus was the one that could help her. She said she knew Jesus but she was still struggling. She told one minister one story about why she was on the street and then proceeded to tell another minister a different story about why she was homeless. It doesn’t matter to us whether she is telling us the truth or whether maybe both things could be true but she can’t deceive God and needs to come clean before him to receive healing. We’ll keep praying that she does that.
Two men that we hadn’t met before started getting upset that they weren’t helped before other people that showed up before them. After the prayer times they both seemed to have peace!
At the end of the day when we were loading up the bus a lady came walking up from a block down and asked what we were doing the minister share that we were there because of Jesus. She then told another minister that she just wanted to stay there and fellowship. It seemed that the light of Jesus was filling the street corner with his peace and joy and she knew that was what she needed.
What a busy day but a blessing that God allows us to go and share him with others!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Be encouraged! God hears our cries for mercy for those around us!
Love,
Steve and Donna
2/8/25
“Don’t be
afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side then on theirs!” Then
Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the
young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha
was filled with horses and chariots of fire.
2 Kings 6:16-17
But Moses
told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue
you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD
himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
Exodus 14:13-14
For I am
about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will
make pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
The wild animals in the fields will thank me, for the jackals and owls, too,
for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will make rivers in the dry
wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed.
Isaiah 43:19-20
The Bible
contains the most amazing promises for us! Whatever we are faced with,
finances, health, relationships and yes, even blessings, God is doing something
new and will be with us through it all.
As we headed
out to the street corner today there was snow on the ground. We continued to
pray for the people that either refuse to go into shelters or that can’t get
out of the weather due to shelters being full, that God would watch over them
and protect them but also use the cold to draw them to him.
During the
prayer times one man that is from Alaska thanked God for being provided some
wool gloves. This man put his trust in Jesus about a year and a half ago and
God has really been doing a work in him and it is so encouraging to watch the
Holy Spirit work in his life!
Another man
that showed up today had a really bad cough. A minister made sure he had hand
warmers and a blanket before we started with worship and the sermon. But even
with the cough and the cold weather he seemed to have joy and peace.
A minister
asked one man at the end of the day when we were packing up the bus to leave if
he knew Jesus. The man replied that he did. The minister then asked if Jesus
knew him and he replied yes. The man then went on to give some lengthy
explanation about the trinity and that his beliefs were unique.
So the minister
asked if he had put his trust in Jesus and the man said yes. So the minister asked
him what he was ‘trusting’ Jesus for. This was such a great question because it
reveals whether the man understood that Jesus had saved him from his sin that
kept him separated from God.
The man went
on to make another lengthy explanation but not understanding the truth of the
Gospel.
So the minister prayed with him and prayed with the purpose of helping
the man have a better understanding of Jesus and what he has done for all of
us.
As the man
left the street corner we could tell that what the minister spoken and prayed
with him had an impact. Please join us in praying that the Holy Spirit would
continue to draw him to Jesus. It wasn’t an accident that he was at the street
corner today!
Thank you to
everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Praying
Jesus would open your eyes in a greater way to see the ‘new’ that he is doing right
now all around you!
Love,
Steve and
Donna
1/25/25
He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD. Malachi 3:3
For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child. As you endure divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Hebrews 12:6-8
Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. Malachi 3:7
Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. “They will be my people,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgement, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Malachi 3:17
The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgement is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed-roots, branches, and all. But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Malachi 4:1-2
All of us who are followers of Jesus go through difficult times. There are the really tough times like when we lose a loved one or times that are more of a nuisance like not having access to phones or the internet.
In these times we need to remember that God has his reasons and he is using everything that we go through to draw us closer to his presence. We are in that awful but beautiful process of having the dross burned away.
The people we met on the street corner today were going through tough times.
One person shared during the prayer times that his wife had died and he really missed her but as the ministers listened and prayed with him a sense of peace and joy seemed to wash over him.
Another man shared that he had spent time in prison. He didn’t believe his sentence was fair and had a difficult time getting back on his feet. He was now in an apartment and had a job but was still struggling with the difficult time he went through. We hadn’t met this man before and during worship we could tell that he had entered into God’s presence. And even though he still had struggles ahead he was so thankful for God being in his life and for us being there. He said he felt the sermon was speaking just to him. His only concern was that we were there just for the homeless which we explained to him that we were there for anyone that came up to the street corner.
A man that we have known for a long time shared how prayer was helping him with the anger that he deals with. He pointed at the minister and said, “You were right, it works!” Praise God that the Holy Spirit is helping him!
We are so thankful that we once again have phone and internet access without needing to drive to town and can share some of the amazing times we have with the people out on the streets of Tacoma.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May God’s love and presence give you wisdom during your times of refining.
Love,
Steve and Donna
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:1-2
“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. 2 Kings 6:16-17
When we keep our minds on heavenly things, faith opens our eyes to see the spiritual things that God is doing to care for his children. I pray from his glorious unlimited resources God would provide you with inner strength though his Spirit. Then Christ would make his home in your heart as you trust in him your roots with will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:16-17
What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
After a time of worship filled with thankfulness and the sermon we shared a hot Thanksgiving meal with the street community steaming hot turkey soup, rolls, hot rotisserie chicken, pizza and of course dessert with pies and whipping cream.
It was a day filled with thanksgiving for our Savior and all he has done for us.
During the prayer times one person just wanted to make sure that a younger man that came to the street corner with him received some warm clothing. This man’s concern for the younger man was evident. But although he was a caring person he didn’t know Jesus as his Savior. But after the minister shared the Gospel with him he made the most important choice of his life, to trust Jesus! We believe that God will use this man’s caring heart in an even greater way than just caring for someone’s physical well-being, that he will start caring for a person’s eternal destiny now that he belongs to Jesus.
A lady shared with one of the ministers that she believes in Jesus but she felt all alone. The minister reminder her that Jesus was with her in everything that she went through and knew every tear that she cried. After the prayer time she seemed to be feeling a little better.
Many of the prayer times were people just wanting to thank God for always being with them, hot food and warm clothing.
The young man that needed a coat and warm clothing left the corner after getting some food but thankfully another person from the street knew where he was staying and so the minister loaded this person up with a warm coat and clothing to take to him.
After spending some time talking with one man that we hadn’t met before the minister shared that yes, Jesus came as a baby but his second coming will be in judgement. After spending more time talking with him and sharing that Jesus died to pay for our judgement being the only perfect sacrifice and our part is to put our trust fully in Jesus and what he did on our behalf, this man asked Jesus to save him!
Another really busy day with many new faces.
As we started to tear down the chairs and table and put them away and clean things up to head back a man asked if we could take the lady who said she felt alone, to the hospital. The lady had an infection in her leg and it was really swollen. Of course the ministers prayed for healing for her but then we drove her up and dropped her off at the hospital. Please join us in praying for her that the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ would bring the deliverance she needs to turn away from drugs.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are living in a time of miracles, signs and wonders thank you for being a part of the miracle of new birth of so many in the street community! We are thankful for Jesus and for you!
Love,
Steve and Donna
11/23/24
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12
The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night. Exodus 14:20
Like the pillar of fire in the wilderness, Jesus brings God’s presence, protection and guidance when we follow him. He lights our path.
God poured out his blessing on the street community Saturday.
All week the weather report was for rain but on Friday, after much prayer, the weather report changed and it called for cloudy weather.
But Saturday the sun was shining and the temperature was not too bad for November, we were so thankful!
This week we went to look for gloves to hand out but the place where we usually get gloves didn’t have any. Once again God poured out his blessing because right after leaving the place that we usually get gloves we were driving to go to another place to get gloves and were on the phone with someone who was coming out to help on Saturday and during the conversation he happened to mention that he had just bought one hundred pairs of gloves to bring!
In the world people call this coincidence but believers know this is God pouring out his blessings.
During the prayer time’s one lady who was having trouble standing up straight and speaking clearly started singing a Christian song, she had a beautiful voice and it was clear that she was created to sing praise to God and even in her drug use is sharing Jesus with others. Please join us in praying for this lady that God would intervene in her life and free her from the drugs.
One man that we hadn’t met before said he was from Seattle. He wanted to show everyone the hat he was wearing that had John 3:16 on it. He quoted John 3:16 to one of the ministers. This man is limited in his mental ability but even so he is witnessing to anyone and everyone he can about his amazing Savior!
This was just two examples of the light of Christ shining through the darkness in people that you wouldn’t expect.
God’s love was poured out today and the people from the street just didn’t want to leave.
What a wonderful, busy day on the street corner.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are praying that your week is filled with thanksgiving for all Jesus has done!
Love,
Steve and Donna
11/16/24
They abandoned the LORD, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshipping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the LORD. They abandoned the LORD to serve Baal and the images of Ashtoreth. This made the LORD burn with anger against Israel, so he handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them. Every time Israel went out to battle, the LORD fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress. Judges 2:12-14
During this period of time in Israel’s history they rebelled against God by forgetting God and running after idols. We can end up in that same pattern when we don’t stay in close relationship with other devoted believers.
The world wants to draw us in every other direction and focus on our difficulties instead of keeping our gaze fixed on Jesus.
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9
As we set up for worship and the sermon on the street corner the air had a bite to it. It wasn’t that it was so cold but it seemed that with the rain moving in and the wind blowing slightly made the air feel icy.
So before starting worship we handed out hand warmers and a blanket to one lady who was visibly shaking because of the cold.
Right before prayer one man asked for a coat. He had a coat on but he is pencil thin and the coat he had wasn’t very warm. The minister was able to provide him with a warm coat thanks to the generosity of the people who donate. This man has been on the streets most of his life and we don’t expect that will change anytime soon so we are so thankful for all the donations and we never know what God has planned, maybe someday this man will be mentally capable of staying in housing.
One lady shared that she had gotten into housing and had been clean and sober for a week. We will continue to pray that she will turn to God for the strength she needs in the battle she is going through knowing that God has set her free!
A younger man we hadn’t seen for about three years showed up. He has put his trust in Jesus but is surrounded by people that continue to pull him back into addiction whenever he gets close to being free. Please join us in praying for this young man that he would turn away from worldly influences and trust only in Jesus.
During the prayer times one man shared that he had bugs all over him. He said that he had asked Jesus to save him several years ago but he had walked away. After sharing Scripture with him, the man repented of turning away from God and put his trust back in Jesus! Thank you Lord!
A man that we hadn’t met before started crying when the minister asked him if he knew he would be welcomed into heaven. This man obviously recognized that he was a sinner and wouldn’t be welcomed into heaven. After the minister shared the Gospel with him he made the most important choice in his life, to trust Jesus!
Thank you to everyone who prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We pray God would pour out his blessing on you!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Then Moses spoke again to Korah: “Now listen, you Levites! Does it seem insignificant to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the community of Israel to be near him so you can serve in the LORD’s Tabernacle and stand before the people to minister to them? Korah, he has already given this special ministry to you and your fellow Levites. Are you now demanding the priesthood as well? The LORD is the one you and your followers are really revolting against! For who is Aaron that you are complaining about him?” Numbers 16:8-11
And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 1 Corinthians 10:10
Korah and his followers had been given an honored position in serving God. But they took their focus off of what God had given them and placed it on what they didn’t have-the priesthood. Being born into and living in bondage for most of their life, the Israelites that were delivered from slavery had a difficult time changing a pattern of thinking. They were constantly slipping into the mindset that they were lacking something that others had, instead of enjoying the blessings that God had given them.
God told us to build pillars to remind us of what he has done for us, to help us remain thankful and grateful. When we are focused on all Jesus has done for us, forgiving our sin and making a way into the presence of God, we our filled with gratefulness and love instead of bitterness and envy.
All week the weather report was that it was going to rain on Saturday but except for a few sprinkles the rain held off until we were headed home. We are so grateful that the people that came to the corner were able to stay dry while they were there makes it much easier for them to hear God’s truth.
After the worship and sermon one of the ministers brought pizza for everyone to enjoy.
A man came up during the prayer times that we thought we hadn’t ever met before until he told the minister his name. He shared that he had just gotten out of the hospital because of pneumonia. He had lost so much weight we didn’t recognize him. After the ministers prayed with him, one of the ministers took his belt off of his pants and gave it to this man to help hold his pants up because they were falling off of him. Please join us in praying for this man that he would continue to heal not just from the pneumonia but from addiction also.
Another man shared during the prayer time that his sleeping bag had been stolen. It seems that some of the homeless people are going around and raiding other camps. We would hope that would stop but more than that they need God to take out their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh, or more simply put they need God to save them.
Many of the people we meet on the street corner live in bondage to addiction and even if God delivers them from the addiction it is difficult for them to move forward if they aren’t grateful for all that Jesus has done for them. The minute they take their eyes off Jesus and put it on something they don’t have or something someone else does, just like with Korah, they stumble.
But not everyone we meet is an addict. One man we met today that we hadn’t ever met before shared that he was stomped by a horse and that was how he lost the lower part of his leg. We aren’t sure why he showed up at the street corner but after having the Gospel presented to him he asked Jesus to save him! What an amazing Savior we have!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Praying that the Holy Spirit would fill your hearts with overflowing gratitude for all he has done!
Love,
Steve and Donna
10/26/24
The wicked will go down to the grave. This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God. Psalm 9:17
Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
Yes, America should be a Christian nation. It is a mandate from Jesus that all Christians should want.
Not a theocracy but a nation that believes in Jesus and obeys him.
Believers should want not only America to be a Christian nation but all other nations to be Christian as well. But we need to first start here at home reaching as many people as we can for Jesus for their sake and for the sake of our nation!
Today during the worship and sermon one lady kept covering her ears and bending over. She would then walk away and walk back. This lady has given her life to Jesus but we could clearly see the influence of the enemy in her mind during the worship and sermon. She has opened a door through drug use to allow Satan to torment her and he hates when people gather to worship and hear God’s word. Please join us in praying for her that God would give her the strength to turn away from the drugs.
A man that we hadn’t met before shared that he had been shot once and stabbed once and he knew that it was God that brought him through. He was so thankful that Jesus had brought him out of darkness and into his glorious light!
Another man that we hadn’t met before shared that he had put his faith in Jesus a long time ago but it wasn’t until recently that it seemed the Holy Spirit was helping him to turn away from the things that were wrong and lead him to do and think about the things that God desired. He seemed stunned that God was doing that for him but also grateful.
It seemed to be one of those days that people needed to be reminded of the Living God that they trusted to save them and after worship, the sermon, a hot meal and some warm clothing, God was doing just that.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are praying that God would open opportunities for each of you to share his truth with at least one person this week!
Love,
Steve and Donna
10/19/24
Study this book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8
We watched a football coach on tv the other day telling the reporter that teaching the team to know Jesus was the most important job he does (Paraphrasing). And many of his students go on to play in the NFL.
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “’You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-39
After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. John 12-15
And whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:27-28
Most Christians will never have the kind of worldly success like playing in the NFL but being a success in God’ kingdom has a greater and eternal reward. Studying our Bible and getting to know God through his word and then taking what we know and sharing it with others and serving others can be the difference of that person choosing to place their faith in Jesus or choosing eternal destruction.
Most of the time we will never know what effect our words and actions will have on others. We do what we are called to do and leave the results to God. So instead of our efforts being a burden they are done in joy!
When the pastor was finishing the sermon one man spoke up and asked him to go longer. This man was finding comfort in God’s Word. Later in the day during the prayer times this man shared that he was from North Carolina and that he hasn’t been able to contact his mom who still lives there. Please join us in praying with him that he would be able to get in touch with his mom.
A younger lady that came to the street corner asked for a Bible. She said she had a New Testament but wanted the entire Bible. She also needed gauze and cleaner for wound treatment. We will continue to pray that she puts Jesus first in her life and for her deliverance of drug use.
One man who we have met at least a couple times before made the most important choice in his life, to put his trust in Jesus! After asking Jesus to save him and then receiving more prayer, the man started to walk away but then stopped and looked back. He just stood there for about five minutes like what just happened. We are looking forward to him returning and hearing all the amazing things that God is doing in his life.
During the prayer times an older lady shared that all her clothing had been stolen. It wasn’t as cold this week as it was last week but it still wasn’t warm enough to be without a coat. We were thankful that she left having warm clothes and that she now knew where she could go to receive prayer and encouragement in her walk with Jesus.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We consider it such a blessing to take God’s truth and share it with others!
Love,
Steve and Donna
You twist justice, making it a bitter pill for the oppressed. You treat the righteous like dirt. Amos 5:7
How you hate honest judges! How you despise people who tell the truth! Amos 5:10
For I know the vast number of your sins and the depth of your rebellions. You oppress good people by taking bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts. So those who are smart keep their mouth shut, for it is an evil time. Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper. Hate evil and love what is good turn your courts into halls of justice. Perhaps even yet the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies will have mercy on the remnant of his people. Amos 5:12-15
How terrible for you who sprawl on ivory beds and lounge on your couches, eating the meat of tender lambs from the flock and of choice calves fattened in the stall. You sing trivial songs to the sound of the harp and fancy yourselves to be great musicians like David. You drink wine by the bowlful and perfume yourselves with fragrant lotions. You care nothing about the ruin of your nation. Amos 6:4-6
America was founded on the One True God’s principles. But for a long time our nation has headed down an evil path of turning away from God.
Instead, they turned away to serve and worship gods they had not known before, gods that were not from the LORD. That is why the LORDs anger burned against this land, bringing down on it every curse recorded in this book. Deuteronomy 29:26-27
God wants us to care about our nation and Christians need to care enough to vote people into office that are more aligned with our values. When the Most High assigned lands to the nations, he established the boundaries of the peoples according to the number in his heavenly court. Deuteronomy 32:8
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Today before we headed to the street corner someone who hasn’t come out to the streets with us for a while dropped off some donations. It was great to see him!
After worship and the sermon one of the ministers brought out a bunch of warm coats and pizza! During the prayer times a truck pulled over with clothing donations and later in the day a car pulled over and handed the ministers peanut butter to hand out.
A man that is in a wheelchair shared with the minister during the prayer time that he was going down a hill and one of the wheels fell off the wheelchair. So he lay on the ground for about five minutes until a lady stopped and called the paramedics. He said he was a little bruised but so thankful that someone stopped to help.
One man started crying as a minister prayed with him. This man knows Jesus but we believe that God was doing a work in his heart to draw him closer.
The man that was suffering from hearing screaming the last time we were out and the ministers prayed with and spent time with him, showed up today and we could see the peace that had come over him. We’ll keep praying that he continues to take the authority that Jesus has given him to rebuke Satan’s attacks.
Many of the people that came to the corner today needed warm coats and we were so thankful for all the extra coats on hand because of the extra donations.
A lady we hadn’t met before just came to get some dog food for her dog that just had puppies, but after hearing the Gospel she asked Jesus to save her! As she was leaving we decided to give her Pippa’s kennel that we keep on the bus so that her puppies would have a safe place to sleep.
After staying much later in the day then we normally do we finally had to let people know we had to leave as one of the ministers had a prior commitment.
It is always difficult to have to load up and leave when there were so many people that still needed prayer. But God has a plan for each person and we trust that he will use whatever happens for his will to be accomplished in their life.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Please join us in praying for God’s will to be done in the upcoming elections.
Love,
Steve and Donna
9/28/24
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:54
Hope-this life is not all there is.
I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. Philippians 3:10-12
Hope-that we can know Jesus.
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
Hope-that we can rest.
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Hope-that we can have joy and peace.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Hope-that we can have good in our lives and a future.
One of the ways we share the Gospel is to retain hope while we suffer. That shows that we understand God’s merciful ways of relating to his people.
Another blessed day on the street corner! Heading out today we knew that one of the ministers would be gone at training and we could be short-handed. But as always God provides more than what we can hope even hope for! After the worship and sermon we shared a hot meal with the street community. One of the ministers also brought pizza and some people from Oasis Church brought hot chocolate, Korean cup o noodles and Korean cookies! Everyone was well fed before the prayer times started.
One man shared that he kept hearing screaming. We were thankful that he knew where to come to receive prayer. He said he was ready to check himself back in to a mental hospital. The minister prayed for healing and deliverance and another minister shared that because this man has placed his faith in Jesus he had the authority to rebuke Satan. Please join us in praying that this man would come to know the authority that he has in Christ and that he no longer needs to listen to the lies of Satan.
A man in a wheelchair, shared during the prayer times that he had just gotten into housing. He also shared that all his clothing had been stolen and with the temperature dropping down in the thirties last night he was cold because he only had shorts to wear. After providing this man with clothes and a warm coat the minister prayed that he would be able to draw closer to God.
During the prayer times a van pulled up with a lady and man in it. The lady had broken her leg in eight different places. They were sleeping in the van and asked for prayer for housing. After the prayer times they shared that they were going to get married by a Pastor that we know. They asked us to go to their wedding and we assured them we would be honored to be at their wedding.
At the end of the day when we had just loaded up and were getting ready to leave a man on bicycle showed up. A minister gave him some cookies and a couple apples as another minister asked if he knew he would be welcomed into heaven. The man said he would because he was good. The minister went on to explain that to go to heaven we have to be perfect and only Jesus walked this earth and was perfect. This man seemed to have a relationship with Jesus but had forgotten the truth of the Gospel. Please join us in praying for him to get into a Bible believing Bible teaching church so he would be able to have that better understanding of his relationship with Jesus.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Jesus is our hope.
Love,
Steve and Donna
That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping and mourning. Don’t tear you clothing in your grief, but tear your heart instead.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the LORD your God as before. Blow the Ram’s horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting call the people together for a solemn meeting. Gather all the people-the elders, the children, and even the babies. Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room. Let the priests, who minister in the LORD’s presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar. Let them pray, “Spare your people, LORD! Don’t let your special possession become an object of mockery. Don’t let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say ‘Has the God of Israel left them?’” Joel 2:12-17
One of our prayers for the last eighteen years has been that the people of this country would send evangelists out into the streets, highways and hedges.
Each week we confront the spiritual condition of people that are the direct result of a nation that has turned away from God. The illegal drug use is a manifestation of a spiritual condition.
Last week some friends told us about a million women march at the mall in DC. We then heard the person that was organizing this event talking on tv and he was sharing that it is a global prayer event that starts on 9/22 and goes until 10/12. People praying for the United States! Thank you Jesus!
It’s time for this country to turn back to Jesus and make him King of our lives and for those that do live for Jesus to share him with others.
Today one of the ministers showed up with two people who were coming out with us when they lived with this minister, but we thought we might not see them again when they moved so it was wonderful to see that they still desired to come and minister to the street community!
When we arrived at the street corner a minister that usually comes by himself brought along his wonderful wife!
And then one of the ministers that work some of the Saturdays showed up with pizza and hot dogs!
All during the sermon a man down a block was screaming. This had a negative effect on one of the men that was there and he stood up and started waving his hands all around and cursing under his breath. One of the ministers prayed quietly for him and he was able to calm down.
A man who said he heard the worship music brought his guitar and during the prayer times played worship music. He then left before anyone had an opportunity to get to know him.
One man who showed up at the street corner was in need of a sleeping bag. But this man left with an eternal gift that only Jesus can give, the gift of knowing him!
A man that has had problems with a hernia and didn’t want to have surgery because he said he is a recovering addict, shared with a minister that he had to go to the hospital to have the hernia put back in place and was in terrible pain. The minister shared with this man the story of the man in a flood on the rooftop waiting for God to save him, in the story a boat comes and the man says no that he is waiting for God and then a helicopter comes and the man says no that he is waiting for God. The man drowns and then asks God why he didn’t save him. God says that he sent a boat and a helicopter. The minister went on to share with the man that has the hernia that he is no longer an addict, that he has been transformed and redeemed and that God is with him and will help him with anything he goes through. As the minister shared with this man he wept. Please join us in praying for him that he would have the surgery and the strength to stay away from the drugs. He gave his life to Christ about one year ago and he has been on this amazing journey of getting to know Jesus.
A lady that showed up in her car had her two year old son with her. It is so heart breaking to see someone in that situation. The lady wanted to know if we had directions to a family mission so we provided her with a list with addresses and phone numbers that we keep on hand for families. Her phone needed to be charged so a minister let her use their phone. The one place she called had opening but didn’t take in people on the weekends. A couple of the numbers were disconnected and a couple places she called she could only leave a message. So after providing some needed items for her and her son we sent her up to the mission for women and men only and told her to ask if they had any other options. Please join us in praying for this lady and her son. She said she had just gotten her son back and she didn’t want to lose him again because of drugs.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. What an amazing God we serve!
Love,
Steve and Donna
9/14/24
For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. Philippians 1:20-22
For Paul, living meant telling others about Jesus.
I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. Romans 1:13
So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News. Romans 1:15
Jesus wants us to be with him but he has left us with the honor of telling others about him. What an amazing privilege to be an ambassador for Christ!
During the sermon today at an important point the pastor was making, a car went by revving its engine so loudly, we couldn’t hear anything but the car. It seemed like Satan was screaming because he wanted to interrupt the preaching of the Good News.
But God’s word won’t go void and the Good News was preached just after a short delay.
Some days we go out we plow the hard ground and some days we plant seeds and yet other days we harvest.
Today was about planting seeds.
During a prayer time one man who has been in and out of treatment for the last fifteen years and has had success for almost a year at a time shared that he was looking forward to going into treatment again. He asked for prayer to get into the treatment program but the minister asked him if he wanted to be free. He once again stated that he needed to get into a treatment program but the minister said he wasn’t concerned about getting into or not getting into treatment but if he wanted to be free of the addiction. The man said he did want to be free. The minister prayed down a holy fire upon this man and we believe that God has answered this prayer and set him free!
When a minister shared the Gospel with a lady that we hadn’t met before she wasn’t able to stay focused during the conversation but we believe that her spirit heard the Gospel and that she will desire to come back to the corner and be clear headed enough to receive the wonderful truth of what Jesus has done for her.
One man, who has stayed close to Jesus since he asked him to be Lord of his life, has a couple of hernias. Please join us in praying that God would keep him strong in his faith and he wouldn’t return to the drugs to ease the pain.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Praying that we all would live like Paul and desire to share Jesus with anyone and everyone we have contact with!
Love,
Steve and Donna
8/31/24
Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming-in deed it’s here now- when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming-the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!” Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her” or “Why are you talking to her?” The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah” So the people came streaming from the village to see him. John 4:21-30
Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” John 4:39
What a great example for a believer. The woman at the well went and shared what Jesus had told her with her village. Because of shame of she was at the well when others weren’t around but meeting Jesus changed everything. She went on to share Jesus with everyone!
It no longer matters what we were before we met Jesus, we are now ambassadors for Christ, a chosen people, holy and dearly loved. Doesn’t that make us want to run out and share him with anyone that will listen?
We shouldn’t wait until we have Scripture memorized or spent time at seminary because it is not about us, it is about Him.
As we headed out today the weather was quite different than from last week. Last week it was raining but today the sun was shining and even maybe a bit too warm.
After worship and an amazing sermon (which you can listen to at www.thestreetcornercommission.org then go to audio sermons) we shared a lunch with the street community.
One lady who showed up today had her small dog with her which was an answer to prayer from last week when we prayed that her dog would be returned because someone had stolen him. We could visibly see how much better she was now that her dog was back. We will continue to pray for her mental health.
A man that has been showing up about the time we get ready to leave the last couple of weeks was there for the worship and sermon. During the prayer times he shared that he was so happy to have made it on time.
The man that was in the car with the lady that knocked on the window of the bus as we drove home last week showed up. He is in a wheelchair and he said it took him a couple hours to make it to the corner. Please join us in praying for this man that he would have a desire to grow closer to Jesus.
A man that we hadn’t met before told a minister that he didn’t believe in God. The man had a pentagram hanging out of his backpack. The minister spent some time sharing with this man many different Scriptures. Instead of bolting or taking on a mocking spirit, the man listened intently and received what was being shared. We are praying that the Holy Spirit would speak to him and bring him back to the corner or to a church and he would put his trust in Jesus.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Please join us in praying that the fire of evangelism would spread throughout the city!
Love,
Steve and Donna
8/24/24
But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them. How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Isaiah 52:6-7
But how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:14
Heading to the street corner today we knew that it was supposed to be raining.
For the street community it makes everything a little more difficult when everything gets wet and there isn’t any way to keep dry. And when you get wet you get cold even if the temperatures aren’t very low.
But today joyed was poured out on the ministers with every drop of rain that fell.
During the sermon there were people there that we hadn’t met before. At the end of the sermon when the pastor was speaking about Satan coming to kill, steal and destroy one young man who we had never met before got up and started mumbling something and walked away. We are praying he comes back and the Holy Spirit speaks to his mind, heart and soul the truth of God’s Word.
One man who has been to the street corner a couple of times decided to make the most important choice in his life and placed his trust in Jesus! Please join us in praying for God to give him clarity and to cleanse his mind and body from the drug abuse.
A minister waved a couple up to the street corner that had been standing down the street and hesitating about walking up to the corner. They slowly walked up to the corner and the lady stood off to the side as the man got some coffee and pizza. After they received a few things a minister prayed with them even though they looked like they wanted to bolt away. But after the prayer the young man told the minister that the prayer was the most genuine prayer that he had ever had. Amen!
Christians that share Jesus with others can sometimes be overly out going and intimidating to someone who isn’t a believer so allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us is always important and this minister prayed exactly what was needed.
A man from the street that we’ve known for a long time was sharing with a minister that he felt bad because he said something that hurt someone’s feelings. The minister told this man that if he went to the person and apologized and let the person know that wasn’t his intention that would go a long way to improving their relationship.
When we had finished up for the day and were heading home, we were stopped at a red light in heavy traffic and a lady ran up to the bus and started knocking on the window asking us to pull over.
The lady and the man that was in the car we knew from the street corner. The man had soiled his pants and needed clean pants, but more than that he needed prayer. The lady shared that she was in an abusive relationship with another lady and that she was really struggling to stay off the drugs. The minister shared with her that she needed to repent of an unholy relationship and she needed to put her trust in Jesus. She repented and put her trust in Jesus! The minister shared with her that now the Holy Spirit was living in her and she had the ability in Christ to turn away from sin and could stomp on Satan and she didn’t need to believe his lies about who she is. Please join us in praying that she would take her commitment to Jesus seriously and want to know him intimately.
Thank you for everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. God will provide joy even in the rain if we keep our eyes on him!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. Romans 1:28-31
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
There are only two types of people in the world followers of Jesus Christ or followers of Satan. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Galatians 5:22-24
Today when one of the ministers opened in prayer on the street corner he shared a couple of these verses.
The pastor went on to share about a compass and that it has a magnetic north but believers have a true north-Jesus Christ.
During the prayer times a man we hadn’t met before shared that he became homeless because he had lost his job. He asked for prayer for finding work. We will continue to pray that he finds a job and keeps his eyes on Jesus and doesn’t lose hope on finding a job.
One man asked for prayer for God’s wisdom. This is a prayer that God loves to answer and we will continue to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance in his life.
A man that we have known for a long time and who is in a wheelchair showed up. This man lost one of his legs and the foot he uses to help him with his wheelchair was injured. We are praying for his foot to heal and that he would turn away from the drug use.
When it was time for a lady to receive prayer she left her little cart that had all her belongings next to the telephone pole. While one minister prayed with her a man that had just walked up grabbed ahold of her cart and started to walk off until a minister told him that the cart didn’t belong to him. At this the man threw his arms up in the air and walked away.
But the women that had walked up with the man who tried to steal the other lady’s cart, kept hovering over the coffee table and we are pretty sure walked off with the donation can that is kept on the table.
Please join us in praying for this man and lady to come back to the street corner. They are living by their sinful nature because they don’t have the true north, Jesus Christ. Sadly, they weren’t stealing from us but from God and the other people that are homeless.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May God fill you with peace and joy in the midst of the battle!
Love,
Steve and Donna
“My wayward children,” says the LORD, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.” “Yes, we’re coming the people reply, “for you are the LORD our God. Our worship of idols on the hills and our religious orgies on the mountains are a delusion. Only in the LORD our God will Israel ever find salvation. From childhood we have watched as everything our ancestors worked for-their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters-was squandered on a delusion.” Jeremiah 3:22-24
We see this behavior all around us, people chasing after everything but Jesus.
Anyone that is without Jesus will try and fill that void.
The only One that can satisfy our deepest desire for fulfillment is Jesus Christ.
In the street community they try and fill the void mainly with drugs and alcohol. As they chase down the drugs, they lose anything they might have had in the way of physical things but even worse they lose the desire for change in their life.
The Scripture above is speaking to people that knew God not knowing him wasn’t their problem. But they allowed others things to become more important.
Today on the street corner the people that showed up know Jesus but most of them have allowed the delusion of sin to draw them away from him.
During the prayer times one lady asked for prayer for her health. This lady put her trust in Jesus a couple of weeks ago. What she needs is to be reminded that God is with her and to put Jesus first in her life by reading his word and seeking out his truth about everything including the lies of the drugs. Please join us in praying that she would cast all her cares on Jesus because he cares for her.
One man that put his trust in Jesus a year ago and has been reading his Bible and going to church made such a stark contrast with the rest of the people that showed up at the corner today. He was thankful and grateful for all God has done for him and desired to draw even closer to Jesus. Amen!
A lady that we don’t see very often and when we do see her she is usually very disruptive seemed subdued today. She is a believer but she isn’t actively seeking out Jesus. The minister encouraged her that a life lived for Jesus, was the most exciting and joyful life because God has created us to desire him. Please join us in praying for her that she would understand that the only way to a full life is living a life devoted to Jesus.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May the life of Christ overflow into the people around you!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out. Leviticus 6:13
The priests needed to keep the fire burning on the altar, and believers need to keep our spiritual life fed.
Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over them. In this way, they disobeyed the LORD by burning before him the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded. So fire blazed forth from the LORD’s presence and burned them up, and they died there before the LORD. Leviticus 10:1-2
Believers need to be diligent in what they fill their life with. God doesn’t send fire blazing forth to consume us if we fill our time with filth, but instead of a Christian standing firm in our faith, it will be much easier for Satan to cause distractions and keep us wandering in the desert instead of enjoying the fruit of the Spirit.
The sinful nature wants to do evil which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:17
If we want the fruit of the Holy Spirit to reign in our life we need to feed it by living in close union with Jesus. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4
The more a believer reads the Bible, prays and fellowships with the family of Christ, the more the fire of the Spirit is fed. When a believer spends most of their time in secular pursuits, that flame starts to go out, and there will be very little fruit of the Spirit produced in their life.
This is painful obvious on the streets.
Today was a battlefield.
One man kept interrupting and talking loudly over the worship and the sermon. This man knows Jesus and even though he wasn’t being abusive like some people get when they constantly try to interrupt, it is a distraction for everyone there. As one minister continued to pray and bind Satan from influencing this man, the man finally got up and walked down the street.
After serving a lunch we set up to serve coffee and pray with people.
The street community was also blessed to have cupcakes that one of the minister daughters had made for this ministers birthday. What a blessing that he came out on his birthday!
We could tell that the street community seemed unsettled today and we found out why when during the prayer times one man shared that the police keep having them move their camps. The man shared that they know that the police are doing what they are told but they have been finding it difficult to find a place to stay.
Please join us in praying that the ones that have placed their trust in Jesus would overcome the addiction that Christ has set them free of and that the ones that don’t know Jesus would come to know him.
After the minister gave one man a pair of shoes, he offered them to someone who was behind him because they thought the shoes might fit that person. After the minister told the man that offered to give the shoes away that he had just received, that it was very kind of him to do that, he took off down the street screaming and swearing. This man is tormented and the demon that torments him obviously didn’t like that he was being kind to someone else. We will continue to pray for this man.
A lady that we hadn’t met before hung her head in shame when asked if she knew that she would be welcomed into heaven. She said she had done a lot of bad things and didn’t expect to be welcomed into heaven. At this the minister was able to share the Good News of the Gospel and the lady asked Jesus to save her!
One man that we prayed for last week about a job shared that he was starting work next week. He was praising Jesus for answered prayer!
There are times that we meet people that seem out of place. When a minister asked one man who seemed out of place if he would be welcomed into heaven, he said that he was trying. The minister share with him that we can’t work or earn our way into heaven that it is because of Jesus living a perfect life, dying for our sins and raising to life again on the third day to sit at the right hand of the Father to make intercession for us that we can be welcomed into heaven if we place our trust in Jesus this man made the most important decision of his life and decided to follow Jesus.
A man that carries a demonic mocking spirit sat through the worship and the sermon without disrupting people but by the time he went to get coffee the demon started speaking through him. We won’t share what he said.
During the prayer times one man shared that the clothes he received made it so he could go to see his daughter graduate from Pierce Collage without embarrassing her. He was so excited to be there and praising Jesus for the clothes!
When a minister shared the Gospel with two ladies that we hadn’t met before, they both made the choice to trust Jesus!
In the midst of the battle Jesus is victorious again!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are so blessed by all of you!
Love,
Steve and Donna
7/20/24
He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Matthew 13:3-8
Today we were joined by the Oasis Church and one young girl had just come back from Saudi Arabia with a group of missionaries. The young girl shared with a minister that they shared the Gospel with about fifty-five people but then she said as she slightly hung her head down, that they all rejected the Gospel.
The minister was able to share with this young girl that when you plant a seed in the ground, you need to wait for weeks before you start to see the plant growing. And when we share Jesus with someone we can’t make them believe but the Gospel is a seed planted in their heart and many times when we share Jesus on the street corner we don’t immediately see a person respond but there are times that they come back and the Holy Spirit has made God’s truth come alive in that person.
It is so important for believers that are serious about sharing Jesus with others to encourage one another because it can be a battle but when we come together and encourage each other the Holy Spirit can ignite a fire within our hearts that gives us a new found passion for reaching the lost.
What a wonderful day of worship and fellowship!
Not only did the Oasis Church show up a neighbor of one of the ministers came out with us also.
A young lady from Oasis Church sang Acapulco for worship and after the sermon we started setting up to pray with people and serve coffee.
One of the ministers brought cookies to hand out that his daughter had made and some of the ministers brought donuts. And then one of the ministers showed up with pizza even though he couldn’t stay.
The street community and ministers alike were well fed!
During the prayer times one man shared that he was raised in a Christian family and was baptized but that he had walked away from his faith. The minister was able to share the parable of the prodigal son and how God was watching with arms open wide, a robe and a ring to place on him. Please join us in praying for this man that he would turn back to Jesus.
A lady that we hadn’t met before had bruises all over her face and still had a hospital bracelet on. She shared with the minister that a person in her camp was yelling and screaming and when she asked this person to be quiet this person picked up a 2x4 and started hitting her. The lady with the bruises said she had to have some bone removed in her eye socket because it had splintered. But then she went on to share that because of her trust in Jesus, even if that 2x4 had caused her death, she would be ok because she would be with Jesus and he was with her through it all. What faith!
One younger lady that we hadn’t met before came to get some food. This younger lady had a filthy sweatshirt on and pants that were dirty as well. She had her hood up and it was covering part of her face which was also dirty. It was obvious that she was trying to hide her shame, with the temperature in the eighties. But by the time she left the corner the blood of Jesus Christ had purified her and washed away her sins!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Please join us in praying that a holy fire burns throughout this state and the message of salvation is preached in every corner!
Love,
Steve and Donna
There are three types of sanctification the first is positional which happens when we place our trust in Jesus the second is progressive, which is the place we will be until we die the third is when we stand before Jesus.
The last couple of years we have planted petunias.
When the blossoms die we go out and remove the dead blooms. The plant doesn’t have the ability to remove the dead blooms and if left on the plant they drain the nutrients out of the plant.
Last week when we were out removing the dead blooms from the petunias we were reminded of how amazing God is.
In the process of sanctification, removing the sins that keep us from becoming more Christ like, God doesn’t leave us to remove the sins by our own ingenuity or genius, no he gave us the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to cause conviction when the things in our life don’t line up with his will.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what please him. Philippians 2:13
See how much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children, but he has not yet show us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3
When we remove the dead blooms the petunias thrive and when we listen to the Holy Spirit and repent of a sin we thrive.
Some of the blooms on the petunia die completely and turn brown and these blooms are easy to remove just like a sin that we are done with and want to walk away from.
There are other blooms that have just started to die and when you try to remove them they stick to the plant and to your hands and only come off by washing with water.
These are like the sins that are much harder to be free from and only come off by washing with water-The Word of God.
After the worship and sermon a man that just received Christ last August shared that he had a daughter that was turning fifteen. He was so thankful to be free of the drugs that have kept him from being around her. But even more than that he was so thankful to know Jesus and desires to stay close to him. But he was also struggling and needed prayer to stay strong. Please join us in standing in the gap for this person who wants so much to continue walking with Jesus. Drug addiction is difficult to overcome and when you end up in the same area you were using, it is very difficult to stay away from friends that are using. This man is no longer an addict he has overcome by the blood and just needs to be strengthened by the brethren.
A man that we hadn’t met before came to the street corner to see what we were doing. When this man walked up we could tell that he seemed out of place and he told the minister that he was new to being homeless. A minister shared that we were there to share Jesus and then spent time praying for him. We will continue to pray that he comes back and finds true hope in our Savior.
One man that carries several demons showed up. He has had times of clarity when it seems he is receptive to God’s word but today wasn’t one of those days. We continue to treat this man that is created in God’s image with respect and love and pray that he will get a glimpse of God’s love and light in through the darkness.
Please join us in praying for the street community that they would desire to be washed in the water of God’s pure Word!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are so thankful for all of you!
Love,
Steve and Donna
6/29/24
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16
As quoted by Clarence Larkin in ‘Rightly Dividing The Word’
The reformation of men is very commendable, as are all forms of “Social Service,” but that is not the work or mission of the Church. The world was just as full, if not fuller, of the evils that afflict society today, in the days of Christ, but He never, nor did the Apostles, organize any freeform agencies. All the great philanthropic and civilizing agencies of the world are “By products” of Christianity…Jesus knew that the source of all the evils in the world is SIN, and that the only way to eradicate sin is to Regenerate the Human Heart, and so He gave the GOSPEL, and the “Mission” of the Church. p 48. year 1921.
Another blessed day on the streets of Tacoma.
After the worship and sermon we shared a hot meal with the street community. One minister brought a casserole and another minister showed up with pizza.
A man that we hadn’t seen probably in twelve years told a minister that when he walked by and saw the bus he couldn’t believe that we were still there. After the sermon he also said that it was about time someone spoke truth.
One of the ministers that showed up today has a terrible cold and a house full of YWAM people staying with him and along with the ministry he does with the kids in the neighbor, he was exhausted but still showed up and had the energy to pray for people in such a powerful way, in his weakness God was made strong.
When a man showed up that said that the tendons in his ankle had been damaged and would never heal the minister with the cold prayed with him, he seemed shocked that his ankle was feeling better. He walked away more stable than he had walked up and heard the Word through the prayer. Amen!
One lady that gave her life to Jesus last week came back and we could see the difference that God was making in her life already. She had a peace that she was lacking the week before. Thank you Jesus!
A man that had been there last week and told a minister that he needed to get some things straighten out in his life before he asked Jesus to save him showed up again today. The minister shared the Gospel with this man and he once again said he needed to get some things straightened out. The minister told him that Jesus would help him do that and he made the most important choice in his life, he decided to follow Jesus!
One lady that walked up at the end of the day said that someone told her she could get some food at the green church bus. When the minister asked her if she had placed her trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of her sins, she said she was trying. The minister shared with her that it isn’t what we can do but what Jesus did for us and putting our trust in him to save us. She asked Jesus to save her!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Praying that God gives you many opportunities to share his love with someone this week!
Love,
Steve and Donna
6/22/24
It was the harvest season, and the riverbank was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance away at a town called Adam, which is near Zarithan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho. Joshua 3:15-16
God chose to have the Israelites cross at a time that the river was overflowing, a time when it would be impossible for anybody to make it across without God’s intervention. There are times in a believer’s life that no amount of effort on our part will bring about a solution. The bank is overflowing and unless God intervenes we will remain where we are. It’s at times like this that we demonstrate real faith and continue to trust God and God will show himself to be faithful.
I am the LORD, the God of all the people of the world. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
What a difference God can make in just a week. Last week was such a struggle to share God’s word with people even though two people asked Jesus to save them last week it was a battle.
A couple weeks ago one of the ministers said that the Street Corner Commission should be renamed The Street Corner Commission International. Little did he know that he was prophesizing. Today we had people from Korea, Japan, Iran and the United States on the street corner.
When we pulled up to the corner our brothers and sisters in Christ from Oasis Church were waiting for us and they brought some people with them from other churches.
The youth group that was with those churches stepped up and led worship and it was beautiful.
At one point it started to rain slightly and only for about a minute. One of the ministers later said that it was God pouring out his Holy Spirit on all of us.
During the prayer times, there were people gathered together in small groups all over the corner praying.
When a minister asked one lady if she would be welcomed into heaven the lady said she wouldn’t. The lady stated that she wasn’t good enough. The minister shared with her the Gospel and that no one is worthy and that Jesus died for sinners. This lady made the most important choice in her life and asked Jesus to save her!
A man told a minister that he needed to get somethings straightened out in his life before placing his trust in Jesus. The minister shared with him that the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus is that we can’t clean ourselves up enough and that it is grace through faith that we are saved. This man said he would make that choice some other time. We are praying that he does.
One lady shared that she grew up in the Buddhist faith. After hearing the Gospel she chose to put her trust in Jesus! When the minister offered her a Bible, she said she had tried to read it before but didn’t understand it. The minister shared with her that because the Holy Spirit now lives in her that he will help her to understand what it says.
At the end of the day a younger lady showed up needing some shoes but she left with something far more important, faith in Jesus Christ!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. If it seems as if the river is overflowing and there isn’t a way to cross, stand firm, God is getting ready to do something spectacular!
Love,
Steve and Donna
But the LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground! Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.” Cain replied to the LORD, “My punishment is too great for to bear! You have banished me from the land and from your presence you have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!” Genesis 4:10-14
We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what is righteous. 1 John 3:12
There is no judgement against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgement is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. John 3:18-20
Watching the weather all week, we knew that there would be thunderstorms the entire time we were out on the street Saturday. But God cleared the stormy weather out of the way and it didn’t even rain the entire day!
As we started to set up on the street corner a lady that had been waiting for us to show up was doing everything she could to keep us from setting up. First she started moving chairs around and during the worship she torn one of the music books apart and was throwing the pages on the ground.
Of course the ministers were binding Satan from causing chaos and distracting people and also that the lady who was causing problems would have enough clarity to hear God’s Word through the music and then the sermon.
But her behavior was so destructive and abusive towards people the ministers finally just had to follow her around to keep her away from the rest of the street community.
At one point she was walking out into the street and trying to stop cars which were trying to keep from running her over. When one of the ministers told her to be careful so she wouldn’t get hit by a car, she gave a rude hand signal and again tried to stop another car.
We won’t mention the propositions she was making to some of the ministers.
This lady was doing what is evil and hated the fact that God’s presence was there.
And Satan was working overtime to keep anyone from hearing God’s truth.
Even during the prayer times one of the ministers had to follow her around everywhere she went binding Satan and keep her from injuring someone.
It’s not often that we have someone there that is so disruptive that even the street community was walking away from the corner just to avoid her.
During the prayer times a man shared that his mother and sister were in heaven. He stated that he wanted to go to heaven when he died to be with them but when the minister asked if this man had placed his trust in Jesus, he replied, “No. I’m not ready to do that.” Please join us in praying that the Holy Spirit would speak to this man.
One of the ministers showed up today with donations and in the donations were some slip on sandals. This minister hadn’t been out the week before so he had no idea that one of the homeless men that were there last week, whose feet were terribly swollen, had asked for some slip on sandals. God is so good. We are praying that this gift from God would help to turn this man back to Jesus and away from the drugs.
A man that had just asked Jesus to save him a couple months ago came walking up and the lady that was causing problems started to harass him. He started to get upset but then seemed to be able to calm down. We know this is God working in his life because a few weeks ago he was upset and started yelling at someone. He seems earnest in wanting to follow Jesus and we will keep praying that through every trial he stands firm on the Rock.
Later in the day a lady we hadn’t met before said that she would be welcomed into heaven because she was good to people. The minister was able to share that the Bible tells us we have to be perfect and that the Bible also tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This lady made the most important decision in her life, to trust in Jesus and what he did!
During the prayer times a man we hadn’t met before said almost the same thing as the lady, that he was a good person and was accepted by God because of being good. The minister was able to share the truth of God’s word that no one is good, for all have sinned and fall short and that the only way to be right with God is to believe that Jesus paid the price for their sins. This man decided that he wanted God in his life and put his trust in Jesus alone for salvation!
And this is why we stand at the gates of hell and preach the good news!
Thank you to everyone that stands with us through prayer and donations. May God bless your week!
Love,
Steve and Donna
6/8/24
Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last - salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth-the one who accuses them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10
“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Luke 10:18
“Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! But terror will come on the earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.” Revelation 12:12
We know from Job 1:7-12 that Satan was accusing people before God. True to his character, Satan and his fallen angels still whisper the same accusations to people.
He hints in our ears of all the things we’ve done and all the times we have failed to do what we should. Confusion, doubt and condemnation are some of his weapons.
Some people become so entangled in these circular thoughts that they give themselves over to the lie of Satan that is who they are.
Believers are at war whether they realize it or not and they need to have the tools to know how to recognize when Satan is speaking his lies and then know how to defeat him.
We first need to become familiar when the Holy Spirit is speaking. When we recognize the Saviors voice it is also easier to know when the devil is speaking.
Then we need to hold every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Revelation 12:11
When we first pulled up to the street corner today there wasn’t anyone waiting for us.
For those of you that don’t know, Steve got in a fight with a table saw, guess who won, and so we didn’t make it out the last weekend of May. This is probably why nobody was there when we drove up.
But as we set up more people showed up.
One man that showed up today we hadn’t seem for about six months. He was filthy and his clothes were hanging on him. But during the worship he was raising his hands and it was clear that he desired to be close to God again. This man knows Jesus and has been off the drugs and in housing at times in his life. But when someone has a history of drug use it can be very difficult to pick up the pieces of a life that has cause chaos and destruction to themselves and to their families.
The devil loves to whisper in their ears their failures. When they listen to the lies of Satan they will likely go back on the drugs to drown out the pain.
Please join us in praying for this man that he would repent and ask Jesus to deliver him.
A man that was there last month and showed up today and who just came to fellowship with other believers was praising God for helping his granddaughters get into housing.
Sadly, we saw a lady who we hadn’t seen in about a year. She was bruised from head to foot and was wearing filthy clothes and had dirt all over her face, hands and legs. This lady like the man that we hadn’t seen in a long time, knows Jesus and was following him. After her husband died, she allowed Satan to whisper in her ear that God no longer cared for her. She has given in to the lies of Satan that she is unloved and deserted by the Savior. Please join us in praying for her that she would repent and listen only to the voice of Jesus.
Jesus promised that we would have trouble in this life but he also promised that he would be with us in everything that we go through.
Prayerfully, we can break through the lies of Satan which whisper that if we aren’t getting everything we want out of life, God has abandoned us. It is a lie from the pit of hell and too many people are listening to it.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May we all be bold in our faith and help each other to see the truth of God’s Word.
Love,
Steve and Donna
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 2:23
You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Isaiah 58:5-7
If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but show no compassion-how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17
But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. Dear friends, I am not writing you a new commandment for you rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment-to love one another-is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining. If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness. 1 John 2:5-11
We are all born into sin. But when we put our trust in Jesus we are called into his love and being called into his love we love others and are motivated by that love to care for others because they are created in the image of God.
Sadly there are some people, even people who have placed their trust in Jesus, who feel that they are better than others and have no regard for people that are struggling.
To quote Charles Dickens in a Christmas Carol: “It may be that in the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man’s child.”
A man showed up at the street corner today that we hadn’t met before. During worship we could hear him singing and saw him raising his hands in praise. He also paid close attention to the sermon and we could hear him agreeing with what was being preached. He was thankful to be there and most of all thankful to God. After the sermon he spent some time telling one of the minsters about his life. In his younger years he had been ran over by a car and the doctors said he wouldn’t walk or talk ever again. He gave his life to Jesus after his accident and he is now in his seventies and although he uses a walker, he gets around and loves telling others about Jesus! What a blessing to meet him.
While the pastor was giving the sermon one lady kept walking through where everyone was sitting being very disruptive but the ministers kept praying and finally she sat down.
One man we hadn’t met before after hearing the Gospel decided to make the best choice of his life and trust in Jesus!
During the prayer times one man who recently gave his life to Jesus started threatening a much younger man. The man was being so abusive to this younger man a minister told him that if he continued to speak that way that nobody would receive any help. At this the man stopped threatening the younger man. The man doing the threatening seemed to think that he was better than this younger man and because of that he could be as cruel as he wanted.
When the minister went to pray with the man that was threatening the younger man, the minister told him that everyone that comes to the corner is equal and everyone will receive the same love and attention.
The man, who is a new Christian then asked for a Bible. Please join us in praying for him that he would come to understand that in God’s sight we are all unworthy, it is only because of what Jesus did for us that we have any value.
During the prayer time with the younger man the minister shared with him the Gospel but he, probably just wanting to get away from the man that was threatening him, wasn’t ready to put his trust in Jesus. The minister shared that he could call out to Jesus any time that he wanted and nobody had to be there. Please join us in praying for this young man to place his trust in Jesus and understand that he has value because of what Jesus did for him.
While the one man was threatening the younger man a lady who we hadn’t met before and didn’t look like she had been homeless for very long, stood far back from all that was going on. One minister kept praying that she wouldn’t leave because of the commotion that was happening. The minister sensed that God was going to meet her right there.
When it was her time for prayer, the minister asked her if she would be welcomed into heaven. She explained that she was a good person. The minister shared with her that to go to heaven a person has to be perfect and the Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned. The minister went on to explain the Gospel to this lady and she made the choice to place her trust in Jesus!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are so thankful for knowing so many believers that know the value of each person, regardless of their perceived value in the world.
Love,
Steve and Donna
5/11/24
When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. Abel also brought a gift – the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. The LORD asked Cain, “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him. Genesis 4:3-8
Instead of accepting responsibility for his unacceptable gift to the LORD, Cain made excuses for himself by placing blame on his brother.
He became so convinced of this delusion it led him to murder his brother.
Some of the people we meet on the street have convinced themselves that all their problems are due to someone else.
Until a person recognizes that they are responsible for their actions, no matter what has happened to that person, what that person does is their responsibility, they will have a difficult time hearing what God is speaking to them.
During the prayer times a couple of ministers talked about forgiveness with a man we have been ministering to for about ten years. The man seemed to be able to hear and receive what the ministers were sharing with him. This man has a long history of blaming everyone else for the trouble he has had in his life and doesn’t seem to think that his bursts of anger are a problem. We will continue to pray for him that he would choose to do right and subdue the sin that is crouching at his door.
As we were serving coffee and praying with people a truck pulled over and a young man driving the truck asked what was up with the green t-shirts? A minister shared that they were about Jesus. This young man started on a rant about Christians and why aren’t we fixing this or fixing that. At one point a minister asked the young man if he would be welcomed into heaven when he died. The young man said he was already in heaven. The minister again asked about what would happen when he died. At this the young man repeated that he was already in heaven. (Later the minister said that for an unbeliever this life is the only heaven they will know but for a believer this life is the only hell they will know). The young man continued his rant about too many things to list but one of them included what was going on in Israel and it was all about a land grab. It had nothing to do with the people that were savagely murdered or still being held hostage. The entire time this young man was stopped in the middle of the street blocking traffic. The ministers seeing that he just wanted to argue finally just walked away as he continued to complain about Christians.
We will be praying that this young man comes to understand that Jesus died for him and the reason he was led to that street corner was God was trying to reach that hard heart. What the enemy intended for evil, God will use for good.
One man that we had never met before was thankful that someone pointed him to the street corner. This man said he was raised in a Catholic church but when he went to prison he was born again. He was thankful to be reminded that he couldn’t earn his way to heaven, that it is Jesus Christ, through his death and resurrection, that he was able to have that relationship with Jesus and be welcomed into heaven.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May God bless and encourage you to shine your light bright!
Love,
Steve and Donna
So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith. But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the law. So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.” Galatians 3:9-12
This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” Romans 1:17
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not from yourselves it is a gift from God-not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
As we set up on the street corner today there was a light rain falling and the wind was blowing gently.
The day started off calm but at about the middle of the sermon at the point where the pastor was saying he was tired of watching Satan destroy the people of this nation a huge gust of wind picked up, and the minister holding the umbrella over the pastor and his Bible while he preached, were blown into the telephone pole. Satan doesn’t like that we are there and tries anyway he can to distract people from hearing God’s word.
While we were serving a Taco soup and cupcakes along with coffee a lady across the street started yelling and swearing at a man that was across the street. The lady started to walk away but stopped in the middle of the street and started screaming at the man and the man was yelling back at her. We kept praying and she finally walked down the street. But this was all happening while we were trying to pray and minister the Gospel to the other people that were there.
The man who was fighting with the lady and who we had never met before walked over to the table where we were serving soup and said something very evil about the lady expecting the minister to agree. The minister shared with this man that the lady was created in the image of God and Satan has deceived her into believing his lies.
We will continue to pray for the lady and the man that they would come to know the God that created them.
During the prayer times one lady said she had left an abusive relationship. We will continue to pray for her protection and deliverance from drugs.
At the end of the day a man we hadn’t met before told a minister that he hoped he would go to heaven and that no one really could know for sure. He said that he just needed to do enough good works. This man said he has put his trust in Jesus for his salvation. The minister explained to him that to go to heaven a person has to be perfect and that no one is perfect for all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. The minister then explained that you can’t do enough good works to earn your way to heaven that it is only faith in Jesus Christ and what he did by paying for our sins on the cross and rising on the third day could a person go to heaven. The man seemed to accept what was being said but it will take the Holy Spirit to bring this truth to life in his mind and heart. We will be praying that he listens as the Spirit speaks.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May the peace of God that transcends all understanding guard your heart and mind!
Love,Steve and Donna
4/21/24
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25
If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15
One day we stopped at the hardware store to pick up some boards for a raised garden bed. A man came over to pet Pippa, our little dog. He went on to say that there is nothing better than the love of a dog. We told him that the love Jesus was better. He then went on to wave his arms around and said, “Ya, ya, I’m religious.”
Of course, many people who claim to be ‘religious’ are really just not wanting to discuss religion, so we asked where he went to church. He stated that he didn’t go to church but it didn’t matter because he could pray in his truck cab.
This man sadly thought that he was fine the way he was.
The first clue for us that he wasn’t was when he said there was nothing better than the love of a dog. Anyone that has a relationship with Jesus knows about true love, the love that died for them, the love that saved them and the love that is their ever present help in times of need.
The second problem this man had was he didn’t recognize is loving obedience to God.
Jesus is very clear that if we love him we will obey him, which means that we won’t forsake the gathering together for fellowship and for accountability except for very understandable circumstances.
We see too many people on the street that choose to make up a ‘god’ of their own and then claim it is Jesus, without knowing his word or him. They have deceived themselves.
But we have found this more and more in people we meet that aren’t homeless.
Can we be ok with knowing that God gave us an opportunity to shine some light into someone’s life and decide to throw a bucket over our light?
Sharing the Gospel is going to become much more difficult in the days ahead, don’t wait until it becomes so difficult that you just give up. It’s not just the homeless that need to hear the Gospel, it is everyone. Their life depends on it.
“Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him.” Revelation 18:14
Today as we pulled up to the street corner the sun was shining and there was a group of people waiting. Everyone was eager to help set up. Not only were there more people today than we have seen in a long time many of them had dogs with them.
During the worship we could hear people singing along which is encouraging because it means that they are engaged in what is going on.
But with all the people and animals there was chaos also.
During the sermon one dog kept barking and another dog knocked over a chair a couple of times which then set off someone sitting in front of them. The person sitting in front had been swearing and waving his hands around since we showed up and one of the ministers told him he would have to settle down or leave. The minister went over and told him again that he needed to calm down or leave that it wasn’t acceptable for him to behave that way.
Between the prayers and speaking to him he finally had a complete 180 and was a different person. We will keep praying for him that he would confess his anger to God and surrender to God’s will for his life.
One lady who has multiple sclerosis kept standing up and then sitting down, which was understandable because of the multiple sclerosis, but it still added to causing a distraction.
When the prayer times started even more people showed up. Even though everyone seemed grateful for the help they were receiving, many seemed to think we were just there to offer some temporary physical help.
But we are there to point them to the One that can help them eternally.
One of the ministers shared that there was a large group of people next to the mission handing things out. Our prayer is that they would share the only thing that gives real help, Jesus Christ.
It is easy for the street community to expect that anyone that has things to offer them should just be prepared to give them what they want and so when we help them to see that there is something we have to share that is much more important, it can be challenging. But it is worth the effort.
There were many prayer times and we are looking forward to seeing all that God does through the prayers.
The highlight of the day was one man who shared that he saw the little green bus in Spanaway last October. He said ever since reading, ‘The Street Corner Commission’ on the side of the bus he felt like God was drawing him closer.
He shared that when he saw us on the street corner he knew he had to come to the corner. He seemed to be really encouraged by the worship and the sermon. He said that someday he would like to share Jesus with others. We encouraged him that he didn’t need to wait and as a believer in Christ, he had everything he needed. We are praying that he takes up the calling that God has on his life and starts sharing the Gospel and that it spreads like a wildfire throughout the street community.
We met people on the street today that are like the man from the hardware store that make up their own belief system and call it ‘Christianity.’
We share as much as we can and pray that the Holy Spirit would break through the confusion and bring clarity.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We pray that Jesus would give you strength to speak up and help people understand the truth of who Jesus is no matter how foolish people think you are or what backlash you face.
Love,
Steve and Donna
As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. Psalm 42:1
O God, you are my God I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1
We have a flower in our back yard that is called Camas. The roots go deep into the ground and have an onion like bulb that was harvested by Native Americans who lived in the area years ago.
When the flower grows in an area that is lush and fertile, the onion part on the root is very small. But when the flower grows in an area that is rocky and has very little soil the bulb on the root is four times larger because it stores more nutrients for the harsh soil conditions.
In the same way there are times when it seems as if we are in a desert or standing on the rocky terrain, but in those times if we earnestly search and long for God, our spiritual lives can increase dramatically. And like that larger size onion, we will be so well nourished we are ready for whatever comes our way.
For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:17
As we pulled up to the street corner today one man that has really been struggling with anger was throwing his hands around in the air and yelling at whatever demons were surrounding him.
Even though we pray several times in the morning before heading to the street corner we stopped and prayed before getting off the bus. By the time we stepped off the bus the man that struggles with anger had calmed down and was smiling. We could see the peace that had washed over him, a peace that only comes from God.
One man that usually has a difficult time sitting through a sermon seemed to be paying close attention to what was spoken. We will continue to pray that God’s Word which won’t go void would affect him in a powerful way.
During the prayer times one lady asked for prayer for her children. The drugs separate and destroy families, but mothers and fathers still care about their children when they have those moments of clarity. We will continue to pray that she would turn away from the drugs and turn to Jesus.
A man that we hadn’t met before seemed to have a mocking spirit when he walked over to the coffee table. Later a minister shared the Gospel with that same man and he asked Jesus to save him and as he left there was a visible change in him!
After this man gave his life to Jesus he went back over to the coffee table where a minister gave him some cookies. The ministers asked him if he was a ‘baller’ (plays basketball). The man seemed surprised that the minister knew the term and the minister explained that he has a basketball court behind his house. The mocking spirit that had been in this man was completely gone. We will continue to pray that the Holy Spirit would guide him to a church family where he can grow in his walk with Jesus.
A lady we hadn’t met before shared that someone had stolen her dog and she couldn’t understand why someone would do that to someone. She then shared that Jesus was her comfort and that he was helping her in her time of need. Amen!
During the entire day there was a man that was lying down across the alley on the sidewalk. At the end of the day when things slowed down a bit one of the ministers walked over to talk with him. The man thanked him for the worship music. This man seems to know Jesus but was exhausted from staying up all night for whatever reason, safety or because of drug use. We are praying that through the worship music and the sermon he would listen to the Holy Spirit calling him to repentance.
It was definitely a different day then the last month where it seemed as if we were plowing through the rocks.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Please join us in praying that the homeless are tired of being a punching bag for Satan and would come with all their brokenness to the One who can heal them.
Love,
Steve and Donna
3/30/24
Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “How long must I put up with this wicked community and its complaints about me? Yes, I have heard the complaints the Israelites are making against me. Now tell them this: ‘As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say. You will all drop dead in this wilderness! Because you complained against me, every one of you who is twenty years old or older and was included in the registration will die. You will not enter and occupy the land I swore to give you. The only exceptions will be Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. Numbers 14:26-30
When I led your ancestors out of Egypt, it was not burnt offerings and sacrifices I wanted from them. This is what I told them: ‘Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!’ Jeremiah 7:22-23
Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: You people have behaved worse than your neighbors and have refused to obey my decrees and regulations. You have not even lived up to the standards of the nations around you. Therefore, I myself, the Sovereign LORD, am now you enemy. I will punish you publicly while all the nations watch. Ezekiel 5:7-8
God has a way for a nation to prosper.
First the people of that nation have to turn to God and then that nation has to put in place a leader who honors God. That nation then needs to remove evil practices from the nation.
Our nation has completely turned its back on God, no, not the believers but the rulers and many of the people that live in this nation.
We have kicked God out of our homes, the schools and out of government. Is it any wonder that we see such horrible crime sprees, drug abuse and corrupt courts and with no one to hold the criminals accountable?
God will punish the nation that turns its back on him.
Today was a beautiful day with the sun shining brightly on the street corner. We showed up with an expectation of a day filled with the salvation of the Lord.
As we started to unload the bus, one man that struggles with anger was again having a difficult day. Many times he can keep himself under control for short periods of time but it seems lately that just hasn’t happened.
During the sermon at the point where the pastor was explaining that Jesus the perfect offering for our sins and why he was the only one who could pay for our sins, a lady who was sitting until that point abruptly stood up knocking some of the chairs over onto the man who struggles with anger.
While she stormed off up the street the man who struggles with anger started to fly into a rage. Prayerfully a minister was able to explain to him that it was an accident. The man finally settled down slightly.
Another man who was sitting down got up suddenly and also took off down the street.
It is strange to someone who isn’t born again what a beautiful truth that Jesus dying for our sins is. If they could only have listened to the entire truth of the sermon they might have found belief in Christ.
We will continue to pray that they would come back and listen with ears to hear and eyes to see what the Spirit is saying.
As we were serving a hot meal a car stopped right beside us with really loud, strange music. There were cars behind this car but the person seemed oblivious to the other cars. He then proceeded to put something into his mouth, not sure what he was thinking or doing but it definitely had demonic symbolism to it. He finally drove off.
That about sums up our day.
There has been a very demonic spirit down town lately, one that tries hard to discourage us and us from stop showing up each Saturday. But God be praised! We know that Satan would leave us alone if we weren’t making an impact for the Glory of God! So we are even more encouraged and emboldened to reach the lost.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Please join us in praying for the people in our nation including our leaders to turn to Jesus.
Love,
Steve and Donna
3/23/24
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” John 15:1
I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:9-11
When we remain in God’s love we will continue to be pruned.
When pruning fruit trees each spring, we remove dead branches first and then sucker branches which will draw energy from the tree. But then we stand back and look at the tree to make sure the branches are balanced so that when it does produce fruit one side isn’t heavier than the other so it won’t put a strain on the trunk of the tree in heavy rain or wind.
In the same way, there are things, not necessarily sin that God prunes from our lives. We all have areas of our lives that need pruning, but we have to be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s leading or we can miss those opportunities which can bring such love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fruitfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fruitfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22
During the time of worship on the street corner today, one man became very angry at another and in the middle of the sermon, this man lost his temper and was yelling at another man and then stomped off to stand in the street. This man has placed his trust in Jesus but he continues to miss the prompting of the Holy Spirit to have self-control.
A younger man that we hadn’t met before seemed to be in agreement when the pastor was speaking on John 3:16 but as soon as the pastor talked about God’s Spirit living inside us and that we should be caring for our bodies in a way that glorifies God, he took off.
It is easy to hear that God loves the world but not so easy to hear that we should obey his commandments, which is the only way to have the peace of God in our life.
After the sermon a man who was taking notes during the sermon had some really great questions. He wanted to know who the deceiver is and how God could create something evil. The man wasn’t trying to be confrontational but just truly seemed to want to understand.
The minister shared that the deceiver is Satan and God gives us free will, were not robots. We are praying that this man comes back and comes to understand the love of Christ.
During the prayer times a minister told the man who had gotten angry during the sermon that he just couldn’t behave that way. The man then tried to say that he was a victim because of what someone else did. The minister shared with this man that because he has placed his trust in Jesus, he is not a victim that God who is in him is stronger than he who is in the world.
If this man continued to believe he was a victim he would continue to make excuses for all his bad behavior and never listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to change. We will continue to pray that he would have ears to hear and eyes to see what the Spirit is saying.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Our prayer for you is that God would lead you into uncomfortable conversations that would shine his goodness into a lost soul’s life!
Love,
Steve and Donna
3/16/24
So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out of from the cemetery to meet him. Mark 5:1
With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.” Mark 5:7-8
Evil spirits are real.
Today the sun was shining brightly and it was warm out, such a contrast from last weekend.
After worship the pastor gave a sermon on being born again. He shared with the group listening that everyone is an eternal being and will live somewhere forever. He went on to describe the difference between living for God and living for the devil. As he was preaching we watched as a few people who are demonically influenced started to squirm in their chairs.
The pastor continued to preach and reach out to people with the Gospel and the blessed assurance that only Christ can bring, imploring them to turn to Jesus. One person who struggles with anger started losing his temper, and was stomping around during the prayer times. But after prayer he calmed down and had some peace again. This man has placed his faith in Jesus but has mental issues that come against him whenever things don’t go his way which on the street is most of the time.
During the prayer times one person said that because he was part of a church and then said something about doing good works that he would be welcomed into heaven. The minister tried to share the truth of grace through Jesus Christ with him but he walked away saying he was good.
A lady who was having a difficult time listening to the sermon seemed to think that she was good with God. Sadly, like so many she seemed to have pieced together different pieces of things, none of them truth, and made her own ‘god.’ Her heart seemed hardened but we are praying that she would come back and come to know the One True God.
Another man that carries demons around with him like some people carry a backpack started yelling at one of the ministers that was trying to help him that he was going to throw that minister into hell. He said many other things that we won’t bother repeating. After that he stormed off down the street.
If only he could step back and see that the demon that he allows to control him only brings him harm, especially when someone is trying to help him. We will continue praying that the Holy Spirit would open his eyes to see the love that Jesus has waiting for him.
A highlight of the day was a person shared with the ministers that he got to share his testimony at the church last week. He told us a little of what he said of how God is working in his life. What a blessing to hear! This man gave his life to Jesus last October and has been through some up and downs but has stayed close to God the entire time. Please join us in praying that he would stay strong in Christ.
After we had loaded up the bus a lady came over and said she just wanted to check out what was going on. She had walked by a couple of times while we were ministering to others but had kept on walking. So we started talking to her a little and listening and she shared that she wanted to give her life to Jesus. She said that she didn’t think she could because she had so much darkness in her.
The ministers, all four of us, were sharing with her the Gospel. Finally one minister asked her if she wanted to be free from the darkness within. She said she did. Knowing this, the ministers knew that she needed to give her life to Jesus to be free so they laid hands on her to lead her in prayer.
When they laid hands on her shoulders all of a sudden she started making a weird kind of burping noise. As they continue to try and lead her through a prayer she then started retching. As she was retching she fell down on the sewer grate and then started vomiting.
When it seemed as if she had stopped vomiting the ministers would again try and help her to call on the name of Jesus to save her and then the retching and vomiting would start all over again.
During this time she was repenting for different things that she had done in her life.
So we were kneeled down around her with her face planted on the sewer grate praying and casting out the unclean spirit.
When it seemed that her vomiting was settling down we again would walk her through the prayer.
She finally was able to ask Jesus to save her but our work wasn’t done.
We continued to pray with her for about an hour longer while she lay with her face on the sewer grate because the evil spirit tried to deceive her about placing her trust in Jesus. After the unclean spirit finally left we were able to help her to the side of the road and helped her to clean up.
This isn’t the end of the fight for her, that evil spirit wasn’t going to let her go and wasn’t happy even after she did give her life to Jesus. She will need to learn all the tools that Christ has given his children to fight the attacks of evil.
Please join us in praying for this young lady, who despite the evil that was trying to stop her came to Christ!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. The hardest days are always the most rewarding!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 1 John 4:1
But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
There are some people that claim to be Christians that don’t teach truth, but for many people that reject the truth of God’s word, it is because they have hardened their heart against Jesus.
How do you describe a day like today? On the one hand we had the Oasis Church join us on the street which is always such a blessing to minister alongside them. But the other side of the day was the distractions and people with hard hearts that have made ‘god’ out to be whatever they want without any truth. But it makes for a good day of training!
As we set up on the corner we debated whether to set up the awning because of the wind. But with the rain starting to come down we put the awning up which when the wind soared through the alley way we had to grab ahold of the railings for the awning to keep it from lifting off the bus.
We couldn’t set up the large umbrella that we have for the coffee table that we set the speaker on because even when it is anchored in the heavy umbrella stand the wind will lift it and the table and carry it down the street.
After setting out some of the music books the wind picked up and tore some of the books apart and then threw them against the fence next to where we park.
The pastor finally gave up trying to have his Bible open while he preached because of the wind.
The weather was unusual but it is something that we are used to dealing with and it can be fun working through the weather.
The speaker and the microphone will sometimes hum if they are too close together. We thought that was what was happening but after the worship and sermon and the speaker and microphone were turned off and back on the bus, the humming continued. It is a very distinct sound that we have never heard except when the speaker and mic are too close, so it was very strange. But after ministering today it was obvious that Satan was hard at work trying to cause chaos and distractions so people wouldn’t hear truth.
During the prayer times a man that we hadn’t met before claimed to know Jesus. But when the minister dug a little deeper into his relationship with Jesus the man said that the Bible was false and that Jesus was just a man. After going on for a little while the ministers prayed for him which he didn’t want. But this man needed to know that there is a truth and that it only comes from the Bible. We are praying that he comes to the place of desperation knowing when all the lies he has trusted in fall apart, he can turn his life over to Jesus.
Sadly this man was with a woman who does seem to know Jesus but clearing isn’t walking with him.
Another man showed up towards the end of the day that said he knew God. He said something like God is love but then went on to say that Jesus got Mary pregnant and other things that just didn’t make any sense. After spending a long time trying to speak truth to this man the ministers finally walked away from him. He had no desire to hear truth but he just wanted to argue and kept on talking. Like the man above we are praying that he comes to the end of everything that he has trusted in and turns to Jesus.
This man was also with a lady. The lady was broken. Being broken can be a blessing if we turn to Jesus in our brokenness. She didn’t seem ready for that but we will continue to pray that she will come to that place of surrender.
Even though there were difficult people to reach today there were also many prayer times with people that are seeking to follow Jesus and were there to learn more about God.
Standing at the gates of hell to pull people from the flames isn’t easy but it is always rewarding when one person turns away from hell and turns to Jesus.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We thank God for you and for the shields of faith that have the dents in them but withstand every assault!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” John 20:29
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him and you rejoice with a glorious inexpressible joy. 1 Peter 1:8
When we commit all we are to Jesus, he promises to lead us into a glorious destiny.
You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Psalm 73:24
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your hearts desires. Psalm 37:4 Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you the path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
Commit your actions to the LORD and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
After the worship and sermon we were starting to set up to share a hot meal with the street community and a man who had walked up to listen to the sermon wanted to make a donation.
The man was invited to stay and have some food but said that he didn’t need anything. So the minister asked if he knew Jesus. When the minister asked him the question if he knew Jesus, the man looked slightly embarrassed like he wasn’t expecting that question, which seemed strange after he had just listened to the sermon about Noah and God’s salvation.
The man said that he knew of Jesus’ teachings. The minister shared with the man that Jesus wanted a personal relationship with him and that we would be praying for him. Please join us in praying that this man would come to know the love that Jesus has for him.
A man that has been on the street corner off and on for a few years and has given his life to Jesus but has struggled with confusion and paranoia, showed up today and seemed to be more clear headed than he has before.
So a minister was able to share with him Romans 8:28 that God works all things for the good of those that love him and are called according to his purpose for them. The minister then shared with this man Matthew 6:33 which is, seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and he will give you everything you need. The minister was helping this man understand that God works ‘good’ in all things when we seek God in all we do.
We will continue to pray that the man will take hold of these truths and seek out God and commit all he does to God.
One couple that we hadn’t seen for a few months showed up today. They shared that they had gotten there early and thought maybe they had missed us. They wanted to share that they had finally got into housing. What a blessing! The last time they were on the corner that was what one of the things they asked for in prayer.
The minister was excited to hear that they were no longer living in their truck but also knew that a hard truth had to be spoken in love to the couple. The minister told them that to honor God they needed to make a commitment to each other and to God in marriage.
The man shared that he had been married before and was worried about getting married again. The lady said she wasn’t sure about marriage either. After talking and listening for a while they seemed to come to understand that doing things God’s way is always best and that when we commit all we do to honor him, he will make our plans succeed because they will be his plans.
Please join us in praying for this couple. Yes, doing God’s will isn’t always easy but it is always best!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are praying that God would pour out his blessing on you and your family as you continue to follow him and commit your ways to his way!
Love,
Steve and Donna
2/17/24
Even during this time of trouble, King Ahaz continued to reject the LORD. He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus who had defeated him, for he said, “Since their gods helped the kings of Aram, they will help me, too, if I sacrifice to them.” But instead, they led to his ruin and the ruin of Judah. 2 Chronicles 28:22-23
We will do whatever we want. We will burn incense and pour out liquid offering to the Queen of Heaven just as much as we like-just as we, and our ancestors, and in the streets of Jerusalem. For in those days we had plenty to eat, and we were well off and had no troubles! Jeremiah 44:17
Some Christians will run for help from every resource they can think of when trouble comes their way.
King Ahaz and the Israelites in Jeremiah 44 not only ran for help from other places they completely rejected God’s help.
God was willing to help in both of these instances but the people refused to repent and turn back to Him.
When we find ourselves in troubling times, look to God for your answers and know that he is waiting to have mercy on you.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16
As we were setting up for a time of worship, a lady that we hadn’t met before walked up. A minister told her we were going to have a church service and she was welcome to stay. She started to walk away but then turned around abruptly and went to the table that the speaker was sitting on. She then opened one of the song books and made some comment about the words of the song. When we said we were going to open up in prayer, she started praying in a mocking tone.
But then she sat down and listened to the worship music. After listening to the first song by the time the second song started the ministers could see that God was speaking to her. At one point she started to cry. She didn’t stay for the entire service but we are praying that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in her heart and she will be back and turn her life over to Jesus.
One lady that showed up to today had given her life to Jesus the last time we saw her. We hadn’t seen her since but the change in her was such an amazing transformation. We could tell that the torment that she was suffering the last time we saw her had gone and she had a wonderful peace that only Jesus can give, a peace that transcends circumstances.
During the end of the day a man that struggles with demons showed up. When he walked up the ministers could tell that he was once again struggling with those demons. So one of the ministers went over and started praying for him. Many times this man will bolt when we go to pray for him. But today after the minister was done praying they locked eyes. The man with the demons had a stunning moment of clarity and he didn’t want to leave. We will continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will bring him back and he will turn his life over to Christ and find the peace that only Jesus can give.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We pray that from his glorious unlimited resources God would empower you with inner strength by his Spirit!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Listen! The LORD’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. Your hands are the hands of murderers, and your fingers are filthy with sin. Your lips are full of lies, and your mouth spews corruption. No one cares about being fair and honest. The people’s lawsuits are based on lies. They conceive evil deeds and then give birth to sin. They hatch deadly snakes and weave spider’s webs. Whoever eats their eggs will die whoever cracks them will hatch a viper. Their webs can’t be made into clothing, and nothing they do is productive. Al their activity is filled with sin, and violence is their trademark. Their feet run to do evil, and they rush to commit murder. They only think about sinning. Misery and destruction always follow them. They don’t know where to find peace or what it means to be just and good. They have mapped out crooked roads, and no one who follows them knows a moment’s peace. So there is no justice among us, and we know nothing about right living. We look for light but find only darkness. We look for bright skies but walk in gloom. Isaiah 59:1-9
For our sins are piled up before God and testify against us. Yes, we know what sinners we are. We know we have rebelled and have denied the LORD. We have turned our back on our God. We know how unfair and oppressive we have been, carefully planning our deceitful lies. Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The LORD looked and was displeased to find there was no justice. Isaiah 59:12-16
Our nation has become willfully rebellious.
The innocent are locked up for years without trials. People are dragged into court on false charges if they disagree with certain views on things like ‘abortion is wrong’. People attacked for knowing that there is only male and female and that isn’t something that someone can change.
What was going on in Isaiah’s day may be different from some of the evils that go on today it is the same spirit of the antichrist.
“Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!” 1 Kings 19:18
Even when it seems that the entire world is running after Satan, God has his remnant that is loyal to him.
Believers need to stand strong and look for God’s deliverance.
When it looks like believers are stuck between the raging sea and an arm attacking from behind, stand back and watch what our God can do!
What a beautiful day with the sun shining brightly. The city was somewhat quiet today except of course for the cars and motorcycles that wanted to make sure that they interrupted the sermon.
As one car drove by, the person revved up his engine so loud it was like a train going by. But even with the people that wanted to disrupt the sermon, the Word was preached!
During the prayer times one person shared that he had been really sick with the flu. We will continue to pray that God would heal him.
Another person said he had been really sick also. This man had just gotten over being sick last month.
Please join us in praying that God would pour out his healing power over the homeless.
Last month we moved back to the corner where we started out about 18 years ago. We had moved across the street about five years ago when the security guard asked us not to park by his building. The building is now empty so we moved back across the street. So one minister was sharing with another minister how wheat used to grow through the cracks in the sidewalk. Right now there are thistles growing in the sidewalk. Of course these are physically manifestations of what God is doing so we are looking forward to the wheat growing through the sidewalk again!
After we packed up the bus for the day and were praying a man came walking by. One of the ministers asked if he needed prayer and at first he was going to continue on his way but then stopped and said he did need prayer. This man is going into a 90-day treatment program and knew that he needed God’s help. He said that he knows God has a purpose for his life but he wanted to live a holy life, not a life he was ashamed of.
As we lifted this man up in prayer another man walked up. So the minister asked the man that had just walked up if he needed prayer. The man said he needed to be rid of the dark demons that were speaking to him. The minister shared with him the only way to have authority over the darkness within him was to place his trust in Jesus. This man asked Jesus to have authority over his life and be his Savior!
What a wonderful day!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Let’s help each other stand strong and speak boldly the name of Jesus Christ!
Love,
Steve and Donna
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Hebrews 12:12-13
Remember your promise to me it is my only hope. Your promise revives me it comforts me in all my troubles. Psalm 119:49-50
How do we encourage believers that are struggling? Is it with promises of a life without trouble, pain, grief? Is it with promises of money, health and possessions?
And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. 1 Corinthians 15:19
We encourage other believers by reminding them of Scripture and the promises of God.
No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will never leave you or forsake you. Joshua 1:5
The sermon today started off with the story of the pain of how the song ‘It is well with my soul’ was written. The pastor then spoke on how everyone has suffered at some point in their life. He then went on to speak of the faithful love of the Lord that never ends and never will cease.
After the sermon we shared a hot meal with the street community. Everyone seemed to be content to just huddle out of the rain and enjoy some hot food and not one person was eager to leave.
During the prayer times one man that we hadn’t ever met before was asked if he knew that he would be welcomed into heaven. At this question the man broke down and cried. He wept for some time before he explained to the minister that he had lost his wife two years ago to covid. He also shared how angry he had been at God. The minister encouraged him to turn his face back to God in repentance. That Jesus had never left him and that Jesus was holding him even now. After spending more time weeping we could see the pain washing away and the comfort of God closing in around him. The man left with almost a skip in his step saying as he walked down the street how thankful he was to have been on the corner.
One man pulled up in a van and hopped out to get some stew. He said someone had told him all about the little green bus and he was so happy to see people out sharing Jesus.
A lady that came up just wanted some coffee and a hug. She had been at the bus years ago and knew she would be welcomed and safe.
A man shared that he had been hit by a train and was in a lot of pain. We will continue to pray for his healing and that he would put his trust in Jesus.
Please join us in continuing to pray for each person that is homeless or addicted to drugs. They need believers that will stand in the gap for them and we are so thankful to know so many prayer warriors!
Love,
Steve and Donna
1/20/24
A life lived for Jesus is different than other religions. Jesus is more concerned about the reason why we do things, the heart condition. Do we do the religious things we do because we truly love God?
The same was true for people in the Old Testament.
But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or you obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22
And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus
Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 1 Peter 2:5
What is an acceptable spiritual sacrifice?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2
Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:15-16
Knowing Jesus and having a heart that yields to his will seemed to be a theme on the street corner today.
A young lady was walking down Pacific Avenue as the Word was being preached. When she stopped at the corner of the street right below where we were set up all of a sudden she started manifesting. She started screaming and waving her arms all around and stomping her feet. It almost looked like she was trying without success to get out of a hive of bees.
We didn’t see if she had looked up and saw the cross or just heard Jesus being preached, but we do know that it was demonically energized.
So the pastor turned the speaker down the street towards her and told her that the only way to be free and have peace was through Jesus Christ.
At that she straightened up and walked calmly away.
Whatever demonic influence was causing the manifestation seemed to understand that God’s Word would be preached and it had no chance of stopping it and so it left the young lady.
We are praying that she would come back and we would be able to point her to Jesus and that she would submit her life to him and Satan would no longer be able to torment her.
During the prayer time’s one man that we hadn’t seen in a long time shared that when we prayed for him about ten years ago he had been addicted to heroin. He stated that through the prayer he had been delivered of the heroin addiction! Amen!
But today he was there because his son was an addict and he wanted prayer for his son to be delivered.
The man said that even though he had been delivered from heroin he still hadn’t been listening to God but he knew that he needed to change that and he really had a desire to know God’s will for his life. He wanted to be able to be there for his son also.
We did and will continue to pray for him and his son and look forward to seeing the healing that Jesus brings to this family.
A man that we hadn’t met before told a minister that he was stupid. He said that he had gotten hit by a truck and had brain damage. It was obvious that he had suffered trauma to his head. But when the minister asked him if he had put his trust in Jesus, he said, “yes.” He then went on to tell the minister that he had done this after he had been hit by the truck and that before that he use to hang out with people that prayed to other ‘gods’. He said he knew now that they were praying to demons and that he didn’t want to be around them so he was all alone.
How sad that this baby Christian thought he was all alone. The minister explained to him that Jesus is always with him and that he needed to be around other people that loved Jesus and that he wasn’t stupid that was the enemy lying to him.
We are praying that he comes back to the street corner or gets into a church where God’s Word and other believers can continue to help encourage him in his new found faith.
In both these men it seemed that God was helping them to know that the heart condition is what God sees.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We pray that God would fill you with a life full of love.
Love,
Steve and Donna
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6
In everything we do as believers we need to search out opportunities to share Jesus. If we don’t prepare ourselves ahead of time we will miss many divine appointments. Along with being prepared we have to go out of our way to show kindness and love to everyone-even people we disagree with. This doesn’t mean that we stand in agreement with people that speak untruth, but we show that disagreement doesn’t lead to hate.
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what he Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15-17
When we spend time with Jesus, He speaks to us so we understand what He wants us to do No, not in an audible voice but through His word, through prayer and through other believers.
Today before heading to the street corner the Holy Spirit was reminding us that ministering to the homeless isn’t the reason we are on that corner. Yes, God has called us to minister to the homeless but we are there for whosoever comes to the corner to shine the light of Christ.
After worship and the sermon we set up to share a Christmas lunch with the street community. As we started serving the hot turkey soup a small van parked next to us. Two women got out and asked if they could hand out some items to the street community after we were done serving soup. They said they were with community services.
One of the minsters said they were welcome to join us in serving the homeless but that we were there because of Jesus. They seemed to think that was great and stayed.
One of the ministers overheard one of the ladies saying that she was so excited about handing things out to the homeless that she couldn’t sleep all night. They seemed to really care for the homeless and wanted to help and asked if they could come by again when we were out there. We told them they were welcome. Some of the ministers prayed with them before they left for the day.
We are praying that they do come back and come to understand that the help that people need is not just physical. The physical things help the homeless for a very short time but it is the spiritual need that needs to be addressed.
We care for people’s physical needs when we are on the street corner but we are more focused on their relationship with Jesus.
So even though we ministered to many people today we believe that as spoken by the Holy Spirit through prayer we were out there for whosoever that showed up and that those women learn that caring for the homeless is more than physical and we pray that is what they took away from the day out on the street corner.
We also pray that if they come back if they do have that relationship with Jesus they grow in knowing Him more by being on the street corner and if they don’t know Jesus they will want to know Him.
Homeless or not, the message of the cross is for everyone.
During the prayer times one man seemed hopeless and ready to give up. After one of the ministers spent time with him and prayed with him, he seemed to remember that he was a child of God and that God had not given up on him. As he left we could tell that being reminded of who he was in Christ was a gift that wouldn’t perish.
One lady that has been homeless for a very long time kept yelling out as if in pain not physical pain but emotional pain. After prayer she seemed to settle down but what she needs is to completely surrender her life to Christ. We will keep praying for her to have that breakthrough.
The man that was really sick last week showed up with a puppy today. He was much healthier and had gotten a puppy from his sister. We are continuing to pray for healing for him and that his relationship with Jesus grows stronger each day.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We pray that Jesus gives you opportunities to be His witness to people and in places that will surprise you!
Love,
Steve and Donna
May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God. Habakkuk 2:4
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
Proverbs 3:3
A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. Matthew 24:45
God calls us to be faithful to him in whatever way we are called to serve.
Even when we have had a difficult day out on the street corner, we are filled with joy knowing we are doing what God has called us to do.
This week we knew that the other two ministers that go out with us wouldn’t be there today because of prior commitments, but we know that God will either give us the strength to minister to everyone that shows up or provide people to join us in ministering to the homeless.
But today was different because only two people showed up from the street community. And even though ministering to two people is easier than a large group of people, we still do all the work before we head out like spending the week before preparing the sermon, praying, loading the bus with coats, sleeping bags and care packages with food and socks making sure there is coffee cups, hot chocolate and gas in the bus.
We still make up hot coffee early in the morning and make sure that the speaker is charged up and any batteries are replaced that are needed for the day. In other words we prepare for a crowd because we never know how many people will show up.
When we get to the street we set up the cross and the chairs for people to sit down while listening to the sermon. It’s a lot of work.
For anyone that works in ministry there will be times that it seems as if the lack of movement in the people you are trying to reach for Jesus is lacking.
At times like this it would be easy to believe that God isn’t working through a ministry.
When you plant a seed you have to wait for the plant to grow. You don’t get to see the transformation until it comes out of the ground and in the same way, when it seems that God isn’t moving through a ministry, he is working in a way that can’t be seen or touched but we need to remain faithful to what he has called us and know that he is doing something!
Please join us in praying for the homeless to have that breakthrough moment that they recognize their need for a Savior.
One of the people that did show up on the street corner today was really sick. He couldn’t stop coughing up phlegm and at one point lay down on the cold, hard concrete sidewalk because he was feeling so awful. Please join us in praying that God would pour out his healing touch on this man.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We pray that wherever God has called you to be a light, you would remain strong and faithful to him and his calling.
I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
Ephesians 3:16-17
Love,
Steve and Donna
12/9/23
At the store the other day a lady was having a wonderful time petting Pippa (our puppy). We told her that Pippa loves people. The lady said, “That’s indicative of the dog’s owners.” We said to her, “And that’s indicative of people that love Jesus.”
It is impossible to love Jesus and not love others.
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5
If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2
As we pulled up to the corner today a truck was parked in our usual spot so we headed across the street back to the corner where we were parking about five years ago.
What an amazing day of fellowship on the street corner!
Today as we started to set up in the down pour, people from the Oasis Church showed up. It was so much fun having them join us in ministering to the homeless community.
One person that came to the street corner today usually doesn’t stay for the entire day and when he does stay it’s just long enough to get some dry clothes, stayed the entire day. His language was very dark as it always is but he stayed for the sermon. While he was receiving some dry clothes the minister prayed that God would give him clarity and he would know that God loved him. The minister thought after that he would probably bolt as is his normal behavior but instead he stayed while another minister prayed with him. Amen! We are standing in the gap and believing that God is doing a work in his heart.
When one man showed a minister a piece of glass he had stuck in his hand the minister tried to help him put a band aid over it to keep it clean until he could get a needle and get the glass out, but it hurt too bad to keep it covered. He couldn’t put on the gloves he was given from the minister even though it was really cold and wet, because it hurt so much. We are praying that he would be able to get the glass out before it gets infected.
Everyone that showed up today was drenched and cold, including the ministers. But with the love that Jesus poured out on them through all of the ministers, they left, yes with warm, dry clothes but also with knowing that there is a God that loves them and it shows up through the people that love God.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May the Holy Spirit lead you to people that need to know the love of Christ!
Love,
Steve and Donna
You have heard the law says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. Matthew 5:43-47
True outreach in Christ is loving those that don’t always love us back. The only way to do that is to trust the Holy Spirit to help us show His great love through us to them.
Burr, what an icy cold day on the street corner.
As we started to open in prayer for the day on the corner a man came up and interrupted. The pastor asked him to stay and that they would talk after the service. At first the man walked down the street but then came back and listened to the sermon. It was clear from the moment he showed up that he really wanted to argue.
After the sermon the pastor spent time mostly listening to this man ramble on about how people just need to love themselves and then everyone would be ok. The pastor shared with this man that isn’t what the Bible says. The pastor shared that we are to love God and die to ourselves. At this the man changed the subject to saying that some people that we see walking around are androids and he is the only one that knows this. The man then started walking away from the pastor and then walking up quickly in a threatening manner and he did this several times. This man stayed the entire day. We will be praying that even through his anger and delusions that the Holy Spirit would speak to him and bring him back and he would have a moment of clarity so that Jesus could transform his heart.
During the prayer times one man shared that he had been off drugs for one week. He said that he had so much energy and felt so much better. This man trusts Jesus as his Savior but has struggled for a long time with addiction. We will continue to pray that he listens to God’s still small voice and keeps away from the drugs so he can draw closer to Jesus.
A minister shared with a man who wasn’t sure about his relationship with Jesus, that if we have a relationship with someone we listen to them and they hear us. He shared John 10:27 (My sheep listen to my voice I know them, and they follow me). We will be praying that this verse wakes this man up in the middle of the night and he decides to hear what Jesus is speaking to him.
At the end of the day a man came up and had some hot soup. He was thankful for the soup but when asked if he knew Jesus he said he thought Jesus was ok but didn’t like God. The minister explained to this man that they are one and the same. The man then went on to say if there was a God why was he going through so much suffering? The minister shared that there is suffering and disease in the world because of sin and that God’s blessing is that believers have the privilege of coming before a Holy God with our troubles. After spending some time listening to this man who seemed to just want to argue, the minister lovingly prayed that God would help him in his suffering. We will continue to pray that this man comes back and surrenders his life to Jesus.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We pray that God fills you with the strength to share His mercy with the people in your life that are antagonistic to the Gospel, in love.
Love,
Steve and Donna
11/18/23
At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:23-24
Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart. Matthew 27:50-51
And so dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:19-22
Previously, only once a year could the priests stand in the presence of God in the Most Holy Place. After Jesus resurrection, any believer could enter the presence of God anywhere at any time.
What a glorious privilege that believers have!
But how many times do we miss the opportunity in our daily life?
During the prayer time today on the street corner, a lady shared that her sister was trafficking her daughter. This lady was heartbroken. After the prayer time she knew that Jesus still cared about her and her daughter and knew all her sorrows. She also knew that she needed to stay close to Jesus and when she left she seemed to be able to hope again. We are praying that this lady stays close to Jesus instead of running to drugs to numb her broken heart.
Several people shared during the prayer times that they couldn’t leave anything at their camp because so many people were stealing things. This has always happened in the homeless camps but it has gotten worse this year.
Two of the men that came to the street corner today had pneumonia. One of the men had just gotten out of the hospital. As happens in most winters if one person gets sick it spreads quickly to others if they are staying in the same camp or shelter. We will continue to pray for a quick and complete healing and that the illness wouldn’t spread to others.
One man who just asked Jesus to save him in August shared with a minister how God is working in his life. He said Jesus was speaking to him through the Bible and giving him understanding into His Word. As he was saying this tears started to well up in his eyes and he said that he felt Jesus wanted him to quit taking medicine for anxiety problems and so he did. He said he couldn’t believe that he had so much clarity, joy and peace in God’s presence. He also shared that he had sat down to read the Bible and a friend walked up and sat beside him. They read the Bible together and the man said that God used him like a tool to bring his friend closer to Jesus. Amen! It is obvious to everyone around him that he has spent time in God’s Holy presence!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We pray for a greater experience of God’s presence in each of your lives!
Love,
Steve and Donna
11/11/23
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into the boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, were going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Luke 8:22-24
When we woke up today and started getting ready to head to the street corner the wind was blowing and the rain was pouring down and we still had work to do on the transmission of the bus before heading out.
After getting the work done we headed to the street corner rebuking the wind and rain in Jesus name.
As we started to set up for worship and the sermon the storm had calmed down but it started to sprinkle lightly.
So we decided to at least put up the big umbrella to cover the speaker.
After getting the umbrella securely in the stand we opened in prayer but before we could finish the wind picked up and pulled the umbrella out of the stand and table where the speaker was sitting and went flying just missing one of the minister’s truck and then flying into the middle of the road. Thank you Jesus there weren’t any cars going by at the time.
So we put the umbrella away.
Many times in our lives the storm starts to rage. We trust Jesus to be with us in the storm but we don’t know how it will end.
During the sermon a man that we hadn’t met before seemed to be in a storm. While he listened to the preacher speak on a living God that sees us and knows the things that we do, he looked down like he wasn’t sure that could be true. A couple of the ministers tried to talk with him some about Jesus but weren’t sure if he really understood but he stayed until we were getting ready to leave.
He didn’t share the storm that was going on in his life but he was missing part of one of his legs and the tips of the crutches he was walking with were worn through making the crutches unstable. One of the ministers tried to help him get some food and clothes to stay warm and dry but he didn’t seem to need anything physical.
We will continue to pray for him that he would come back and come to know the Savior that really does see him and will calm the storms that rage in his life.
At the end of the day when everything but the cross had been loaded back onto the bus, the man with the crutches noticed that there was a rainbow. We are praying that the Holy Spirit was speaking to him through that rainbow which we know is a promise from God.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May Jesus help us all to look for the rainbow in every storm of life.
Love,
Steve and Donna
10/28/23
He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. Matthew 13:11-12
To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Matthew 25:29
For everyone who ask, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:8
Jesus wants believers to grow in their relationship with Him. He wants us to listen, learn, study and apply what we learn to our life and then we receive His promise of even more understanding.
Today we woke up to a very cold temperature of 22 degrees. As we dressed for the warm weather we prayed for the homeless that couldn’t or wouldn’t get out of the cold.
As we drove into the city on the side of the road were police cars surrounding a body lying on the sidewalk. The body was covered with a cloth. We don’t know what happened but that was a person that had died. That person had a mother, a father, and maybe other people that cared.
The Bible teaches us that no one is promised tomorrow. After seeing that we were more eager to reach the street corner and teach people how to have and walk in a relationship with Jesus.
After worship and the sermon we shared a hot meal with the street community.
When a man was at the back of the bus getting some warm clothes the minister asked if there was anything else he needed, he said he needed prayer. The minister asked him what he needed prayer for and he said he needed to know Jesus better. Amen! That is a prayer that God promises to answer. We have known this man for at least ten years or more but the last month he has been attending the service on the street corner and really seems to want to grow closer to Jesus.
A lady that we met last week brought a friend with her. The friend had placed her faith in Jesus when she was younger but she needed to be reminded of the truth of salvation. That she couldn’t do enough good deeds to be welcomed into God’s presence it was only through what Jesus did on the cross to pay for her sins. We are praying she will come back the next Saturday we are out there and grow in her walk with Jesus.
The man that we drove up to the hospital a couple of weeks ago who thought he had a spider bite shared with a minister that when the minister placed his hand on him to pray he felt another hand on his leg where the wound was. He said he looked but didn’t see anyone but the one minister. He said he then felt a peace come over him and warmth on the wound. He said that after we dropped him off at the hospital he had time to think about what had happened and he knew that Jesus had placed His hand on his wound along with the minister who placed his hand on his wound to pray! Amen!
As we were praying for people and caring for some of their physical needs a man came to the coffee table and shared with the minister that he was on his way to help out at the rescue mission and at the stop light God told him to turn and go around the block. So he did and stopped to visit with us. It is always a gift and encouragement from God to meet like-minded believers!
Wonderful day on the street corner!
Please lift up Gary (one of the ministers) in prayer against any retaliation because on October 31 he will be handing out tracks with candy and praying for every child that comes to his door. Redeeming the day!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Praying that the Holy Spirit would encourage each of you to live courageously for Him!
Love,
Steve and Donna
10/21/23
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! I tell you the truth anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:15-17
Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, (Mary the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took, her into his home. John 19:25-27
In Luke 18, Jesus took the time to bless small children, children that might not have been old enough to even remember the blessing.
In John 19 when Jesus was dying and taking on all the sins of the world for all time, He was still taking care of His mom’s physical needs.
When there are big issues going on we can easily forget that Jesus is big enough to still be there for us even when the prayer might seem insignificant to the needs around us.
Right now there are so many really important prayer needs wars and rumors of wars, and many other horrific things that we need to be lifting up to God. But we should remember that Jesus didn’t just deal with the important people and big issues.
Never imagine that your prayers are too small and insignificant to bother Jesus with compared to all the bigger issues going on. As long as you come to Jesus in faith nothing is insignificant.
Today was another busy day on the street corner.
During the sermon the street community really paid attention to the Scriptures that were being shared which is such a blessing.
After the sermon one man came up and started confessing his sin of his response when people make him angry. He repented and really desired to change. We will continue to pray that he would listen to the Holy Spirits prompting and learn to let go of the anger.
One man shared that his aunt had just died. He was heartbroken as they had a close relationship. We will continue to pray God’s comforting arms to wrap around him and hold him close while he mourns.
When a minister asked a lady that had never been to the corner before if she knew Jesus as her Savior, the lady broken down and wept. This lady knows Jesus but it was obvious that she ‘felt’ like Jesus didn’t care about her because of the difficult time she was having. The minister was able to spend some time with her praying and letting her know that Jesus promised difficult times for those that love Him. We are praying that she would come back next week and we would be able to continue to encourage her to stay close to Jesus.
At the end of the day a man started to walk by and a minister offered him some coffee. The man hesitated but finally walked over and had some coffee and a cookie. But this man left with the greatest gift ever given, he asked Jesus to save him!
Thank you Jesus that with all the suffering going on in the world You still care for each individual person and the big and small trials facing them!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Love,
Steve and Donna
So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadow-boxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
In the scripture above Paul is talking about being disqualified as a witness for Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul goes on to tell us some of the examples that displease God and ruin our witness sexual immorality, complaining, idol worship.
All of these things take our mind off of Jesus and put them on other things. Everyone is busy with things that have to be done and yet when our minds are focused on Jesus those things become opportunities, opportunities for Christ to shine through.
We will never know when Jesus is coming back but He does tell us to be aware of the times that we live in. If we are here for a day or if we are here for another thousand years we should witness as if Jesus was returning right now.
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Today when we showed up at the street corner there were people from the street community waiting and they were eager to help set up. That is always such a blessing.
A man who was there last week and a minister was able to pray with, showed up again. He sat through all of the worship and the sermon and seemed to be listening. He is usually behaving very demonically but today he wasn’t yelling or speaking evil about God. Although he took off before a minister could pray with him we were really encouraged that he stayed for the entire sermon.
One lady who was really wanting to be there the last couple of time we were there was so excited to share that she had brought a friend with her. Amen! The love of Christ compels us to share that love with others. The minister was able to tell the friend the Gospel and the friend asked Jesus to save her!
A man who was having a really difficult time walking up the hill to the street corner shared with a minister that he thought he had a spider bite. He said that there was a black spot on his leg and it was swollen and had a black streak all around his leg. After praying for this man he said that his leg was feeling a little better. But we decided to drive him up to the hospital emergency room so he could have it checked. We will continue to pray that God would pour out His healing touch on him. This man has just recently given his life to Jesus and we are praying that he would stay strong in his journey of learning about Jesus.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Remember, we shine brightest when we live in dark times.
Love,
Steve and Donna
A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. Mark 5:25-29
Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half of my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
Luke 19:6-8
There are people we meet on the street that are somewhat familiar with Jesus, but there isn’t anything that is changed or improved by this knowledge.
Genuine faith requires action.
Today as we pulled up to the street corner we saw a large group of people waiting for us. All but one person in the group we had never met before.
Before we even got off the bus to set up little Pippa (our puppy) was jumping up and down and excited to meet people. Pippa loves people, but on the street corner she is usually calm. But even she could sense that there was a change in the spiritual realm.
As we stepped off the bus people were asking if we needed help setting up. It was wonderful to have so much help!
During worship and the sermon we could see people really paying attention and once in a while nodding in agreement with what was being said. Just to see people actively paying attention and wanting to draw close to God was a blessing.
After the sermon we shared a hot meal and no one was in a hurry to get what they needed and run off. Instead everyone seemed to want to eat and fellowship in the Word of God.
During the prayer times one lady shared that she had been off the drugs for a month and that Jesus was the reason. We will continue to pray that she would stay close to Jesus.
Another lady shared that she put her trust in Jesus when she was young and even though she grew up in an abusive home her trust in Jesus never wavered.
When the minister asked one man if he knew he was going to heaven, he said, “I don’t go to church enough and I don’t do enough good things.” The minister told this man the Good News of Jesus Christ and that all have fallen short of the glory of God and the only way to be forgiven was to put his trust in Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. This man made the most important choice in his life and decided to trust in Jesus!
We were so busy that we were on the street corner later than normal but thank you Jesus we were! A man that has always carried a demonic spirit with him came up. After receiving some food and clothing a minister prayed with him. Not only did he stay for the prayer but he really seemed to receive what was being prayed! We will continue to pray that God’s Spirit would speak to him and draw him to Jesus.
Genuine faith requires that we put into practice the things we learn from Jesus and today was full of homeless people that didn’t just have an intellectual knowledge of Jesus but were putting into action out what they believed!
For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk it is living by God’s power. 1 Corinthians 4:20
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We pray that Jesus would open the flood gates of heaven and pour out His blessing on you.
Love,
Steve and Donna
Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Anyone who has found their life hidden in Christ for a few years experiences times of longing for perfect peace.
A time where the pain of a loved one being with Jesus instead of holding them in your arms, a time of broken friendships is healed, a time of feeling like serving God through ministry doesn’t seem like it is making a difference, a job that isn’t fulfilling or when you can’t even speak about Jesus or times of not being able to pay the bills and times of illness, times of injustice and times of persecution.
All of these things, these heartaches and disappointments are because everyone, especially believers have a sense of eternity planted in our hearts. A sense that this is not the way things should be. As believers we know that one day all of these things will be resolved.
But these longings are not an evil they help us to remind us that this world isn’t our home.
Today as we headed to the street corner the forecast was for rain. So we prayed that God would hold the rain back so the people coming to the corner would be dry while we ministered to them.
During the prayer times one man shared that the friend he had been taking care of had died. Not only did he lose his close friend but he also lost his housing because it was his friend’s apartment. This man is working hard to stay off the drugs and has applied to the New Life Program. Please join us in praying for his comfort as he mourns the loss of his friend and that he wouldn’t turn to the drugs for comfort but would rely completely on Jesus.
One older lady who came out with us today is only able to come about once a year because of her work schedule. But what was so amazing is God’s timing. Not only were we one minister short today but one younger lady who is homeless and never crosses the street to come over saw the older lady and came over. She seemed to feel safe with the older lady there. It may seem a small thing in the physical realm but these small steps are huge victories in the spiritual realm. We will continue to pray that the younger lady feels safe enough to come across the street and that she would find Jesus.
At the end of the day one lady came by that we hadn’t met before and a minister asked her if she would like a cup of coffee. She said she felt God had sent her down this street and a cup of coffee was something she would really like. We will continue to pray that she would stay close to Jesus.
As we drove off for the day the heavens opened up and the much needed rain started to fall. Thank you Jesus for holding the rain back!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We pray that God would encourage you to stay strong in His mighty power!
Love,
Steve and Donna
As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voice together in prayer to God: “Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant saying, ‘Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepared for battle the rulers gathered together against the LORD and against his Messiah. Acts 4:23-26
“And now, O Lord, hear their threats and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30
It is only when we are sharing Jesus with other people that our skills for sharing Jesus are sharpened. We learn through those experiences that we need to study more and be prepared but ultimately spending time with Jesus is how we will reach others. (Acts 4:13)
In the heat of the battle for the soul of another person when Satan is trying to drag them into hell, we have to depend totally on Jesus and the Holy Spirit to fight for that person. No technique or classes will prepare us unless we have spent one on one time with Jesus.
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. Philippians 1:12
Paul had learned from all his experiences in sharing Christ that even when he was imprisoned he had the ability to witness effectively because he was spending time with Jesus.
When we showed up at the street corner today there was trash all over the sidewalk. We didn’t set up for worship and the sermon until we had picked up all the garbage. The garbage is a sign of the work of Satan who has no respect for God’s creation.
A lady that we hadn’t seen for a couple of months wants to be baptized. She is planning on getting married and realizes that for their marriage to be blessed they both need to be following Jesus. Amen!
One man shared that he wasn’t feeling well. He seemed to think he may have had food poisoning. After the minister prayed for him he was feeling a little better. Please join us in praying that he would recover quickly.
A younger man was asking about the tiny houses that the mission was thinking about building in Spanaway. He heard that the neighbors were upset and so they weren’t going to be built. Sadly, housing isn’t the answer to helping the homeless. They first need a relationship with Jesus and then help with work and housing.
Please join us in praying that God would stretch out his hand with healing power and miraculous signs and wonders would be done through the name of Jesus!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are praying that God would open doors of opportunity for each of you to share the love of God with healing power and miraculous signs and wonders with someone that has never met Jesus!
Love,
Steve and Donna
8/26/23
When we place our trust in Jesus we are made new, born again washed clean and filled with the Holy Spirit.
If we sin, the Holy Spirit leads us to repentance which is being truly sorry for our sin and wanting to change that behavior.
This is when spiritual warfare is needed. Most behaviors like addiction are extremely difficult to change but repentance and faith in what Jesus can do and then learning to obey Him is answer.
But the warfare doesn’t stop there. Jesus calls Satan the father of liars. Satan will lie to any believer about who they are in Christ, about the sins that they have overcome and try to drag them back into the sin or cause depression.
And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Revelation 12:11
Christ has won the battle for us. We shouldn’t fear the lies of Satan or compromise with sin as an escape.
Who then will condemn us? No one for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Romans 8:34
There are some people living on the streets that know Jesus and yet have separated themselves from hearing His voice through Scripture by living in rebellion to the truth of the Bible.
Many others don’t know Jesus at all.
One thing all of these people have in common is that they believe the lies of Satan.
There are days on the street corner that are filled with joy and peace. But there are days like today that from the minute we arrive we are in the heat of the battle. The battle is reaching people who have hardened hearts.
When we drove up to the street corner today a man was there that carries multiple demons. He was harassing an older man that has only been at the corner a couple of times.
As one of the ministers was opening up in prayer the man carrying the demons moved to the front row and started staring at him and trying to speak evil over him. All of the other ministers continued to pray.
After a few minutes the man with demons got up and walked off, yelling down the street as he went. How sad that once again he missed his opportunity for salvation.
As the worship music started a man came up wanting something off the bus. He was told he would have to wait, like everyone else, till the church service was over. At this he stated that he had to be at a job at 11:00am. The minister said great, and then you can purchase what you need. At this he stomped off.
During all that was going on another man started manifesting.
Satan was trying hard to keep a sermon on spiritual warfare from being preached but as so often happens all that was going on was just more confirmation that was exactly what was needed.
After the sermon things in the spiritual realm seemed to settle down and we shared a lunch with the street community.
One lady we hadn’t met before shared that she was baptized last week. So the minister asked her if she knew why she would be welcomed into heaven. She seemed stumped at this question. The minister shared that Jesus died for her sins and that was the only reason she or anyone who trusts in Jesus for the forgiveness of her sins will be welcomed into heaven. We are hopeful this lady understood this before being baptized and she just was having an off day. Most people that share Jesus and baptize people make this clear. But we are there to make the Gospel known and understood so we share God’s word even when people say they have a relationship with a church.
At the end of the day as we packed up to leave the man that carries the demons came back. He was given some food and water but he wasn’t given anything else. When he was told that we were packing up to leave he started getting angry again. Most of what he said isn’t repeatable and a lot of it wasn’t comprehendible but it was clear that he was attacking Jesus and Christians.
Finally another minister came over and told him that he could have stayed earlier and as it was we were running late helping him out with some food and water. He once again left the corner manifesting. Please join us in praying for this man. He has come around for so long and every time rejects the Savior that could bring healing to him.
But as one minister put it, we are there to share Jesus not provide a comfortable life on the way to hell.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May God bless you and make His face shine upon you as you wield the shield of faith with all of its dents!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Sometime later, Reuben returned to get Joseph out of the cistern. When he discovered that Joseph was missing, he tore his clothes in grief. The he went back to his brothers and lamented, “The boy is gone! What will I do now?” Genesis 37:29-30
Reuben was more concerned about what would happen to him than what had happened to his brother. You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.
2 Timothy 3:1-3
Those who mock the poor insult their Maker those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished. Proverbs 17:5
Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ Then they will reply, ‘Lord when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ Matthew 25:41-45
About ten years ago a friend of ours went to India. One of most shocking things he saw there was someone dying on the side of the road and nobody was willing to help that person. Our friend of course stayed with this person and tried to help. When we heard him tell us about this we never thought that would happen in the United States.
Just look at the streets everywhere people are dying. There isn’t anything natural about the people dying on the street, they are putting poison into their bodies and yes, it may take an hour, a day, a week or maybe a year for that person to die but they will die from that poison and very few people are doing anything to help end this. The leaders in our country throw up their hands like there is nothing they can do and many of the news outlets mock the homeless. If the leaders in this country really cared all they would need to do is to enforce drugs laws and shut the border.
Many of our country’s homeless have died without trusting Jesus but we thank God for all the Christian brothers and sisters that are out sharing Jesus and caring for the homeless. The last couple of years we have seen more believers than any other time step out of the building and go to the streets to share Christ with the homeless, not just send them to hell with a full stomach.
One homeless man who has been showing up for the last six months always brings someone with him. He believes that it is one way he can help other people. Amen!
During worship a group from a church on Meridian stopped by and told us how much they appreciate what we do and asked if they could hand out some food, which of course we were happy for them to do. What a blessing to see so many young people out sharing Jesus!
While the church group handed out food one man from the street that doesn’t do well with crowds started to get really upset but one of the ministers was able to get him to settle back down and the rest of the day he seemed happy to be there.
One man shared that he had been punched the day before. He was upset about it but said that he needed to put the situation in God’s hands and let Him take care of it! This is after years of ministering to this man but we are so thankful for God’s care and mercy for him.
One very young lady that was there with an older man last week showed up carrying a spray paint can. She kept staring at the can in a strange way so one of the ministers told her that he hoped she wasn’t going to huff it. (He was pretty confident that was what she had been doing) She didn’t say anything but went over to where coffee was being served and started yelling at some invisible person. But she did leave the spray can so the minister was encouraged about that. Please continue to pray with us that God would get ahold of her.
A younger man that was there last week showed up just at the beginning of the sermon. Later he shared with a minister that he had been walking for about an hour trying to find the right street. This young man also shared that he is studying the book of Proverbs. It is awesome to see this young man come back to Jesus and take his walk seriously!
As we drove down to the street corner today we saw a lady we have known for a very long time carrying a small watermelon. As the sermon started this lady walked by and offered to share the watermelon. The minister told her that they didn’t have any way of cutting it so the lady walked off. Later this lady returned and wanted something off the bus. She wanted to be helped before anyone else and when she wasn’t, she started yelling profanities. She has rejected Jesus every time she has been at the street corner but please join us in praying that she would repent and put her trust in Christ.
Towards the end of the day the friend that the man brought with him received Jesus as Lord and Savior! Thank you Jesus!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission.
The homeless population has increased ten times over since we started going about seventeen years ago. It is not a housing issue. It is due to the drugs reaching younger and younger kids. Please join us in praying that the drug laws would be enforced and that the border would be closed to any illegal immigration.
Love,
Steve and Donna
8/12/23
To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
“A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.
“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” Luke 15:11-20
Of course a parable is to help us understand a moral principle, but what if there had been more to the parable like what happened to the younger son on the road back to the Father. Would it have been that the prodigal son met some people on the road back that encouraged him along the way?
Today a younger man that showed up to the street corner, listened intently to the sermon. After the sermon he spent most of the entire time sharing and listening to one of the ministers share Scripture with him.
This young man has a firm foundation in the Gospel but is now living under a bridge with his three year old son.
He was earnest in listening and honest in sharing some of his story. He had hit bottom and knew he had to change. As he listened to the minister share Scripture and pray for him you could see the Holy Spirit calling to him to come back to the Father. He stayed the entire day and didn’t seem to want to leave even when we were packed up so the minister gave him his phone number so that if he wanted to talk about Jesus more they could. This prodigal son is on the road back to the Father! Thank you for the minister that spent so much time encouraging this young man to run back to the Father!
One man that gave his life to Jesus about seven months ago and has been showing up every Saturday shared with a minister that the street corner was a safe place for him. He said that he goes there and just sits during the week when he needs to feel safe. Thank you Jesus that even though there aren’t any walls, that street corner is one of your churches.
An older man was with a very young lady. The older man tried to tell the minister that he was telling her about God. The minister told him that God knows and sees everything. The minister left it at that but please join us in praying for this young lady that she would turn to Jesus and find true shelter and peace that can’t come from anyone else.
A man that was at the street corner in July and didn’t want anything to do with Jesus after listening to the sermon wanted to put his trust in Jesus and follow him!
What a busy but blessed day!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. God’s Spirit is on the move. Never believe the lies of Satan that there isn’t any hope for reaching the lost in this day and age.
Love,
Steve and Donna
7/29/23
When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. Matthew 27:31-32
We all have those cross bearing times in life when we need someone to come alongside and help us to carry our cross.
Today we were missing one of the ministers but as we set up for worship the street community helped to set up. Setting up and tearing down each week for a church service on the street is a lot of physical work but God either provides people to help or the strength to endure.
After the sermon we shared a tuna and chicken salad with the street community.
During the prayer times one man asked for prayer for safety at night. This man has put his faith in Jesus and we are praying that God would change his living situation but until that happens we will gladly help him to carry his cross of praying for his safety.
One man was so very thankful for a pair of shoes. This man believes in Jesus and yet stumbled in sobriety a while back but is now actively seeking to follow Jesus and has been applying for jobs in manufacturing. We are praying that he is soon employed as he stays close to God. It is much harder for someone to stay away from drugs when they aren’t working and are living on the street. And when they use drugs they are wandering away from Jesus. Please join us in lifting this man and employment opportunities up to heaven as a pleasing aroma.
A man that was extremely filthy that we hadn’t met before told one of the ministers that he had put his trust in Jesus but he wasn’t currently attending a church because there weren’t any that would accept him right now. What a sad statement. Of course the churches we know would accept him but to think that any Christian church would turn someone away who may be filthy but was coherent and polite is unacceptable. The minister made sure that he knew he was welcome on the street corner. Before he left the minister was able to provide him with clean clothing and hygiene items.
One young lady who we hadn’t met before was happy to have some physical things to help her out but didn’t want anything to do with the One who could bring true fulfillment to her life. We will keep praying that the Holy Spirit would speak to her and transform her.
If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Matthew 5:41
Maybe Simon didn’t have a choice to carry the cross for Jesus but Jesus said even when someone demands that you carry his gear for a mile to carry it for two. Shouldn’t believers look for opportunities to carry the cross for others?
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May God give you many opportunities to carry a cross for someone else.
Love,
Steve and Donna
I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf. Deuteronomy 18:18-19
Friends, I realize what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah-that he must suffer these things. Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets. Moses said, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything he tells you.’ Acts 3:17-22
My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like lions they have opened their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. Psalm 22:12-18
But he was pieced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us like sheep have strayed away. We have left God’s path to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6
For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. Psalm 16:10 All of the Old Testament points to Jesus and yet even as He lived out what was written about Him many failed to recognize Him. The Jewish people had been oppressed for a long time and many could only see the Messiah as a warrior that would make their life on earth better. Our desires for this life can obscure what the Bible is saying. We need to read it while taking our eyes off ourselves and looking to Jesus to teach us. You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to Me!
John 5:39
If all we ever do is search the Scriptures to find a blessing we become weak and ineffective Christians.
The streets of Tacoma were alive with activity today. We haven’t seen this many people just walking around in a very long time. Many of them weren’t homeless and passed by while trying to look the other way. As we had the chance we invited some over but they would just keep walking missing out on what could have been the day of their salvation.
As we set up for worship a man was walking by and we invited him over. During the prayer times he shared that he had been through the New Life program but had gone and done some stupid things. The minister could hear the condemnation come through his voice. So the minister shared the story of the prodigal son and that the Father was waiting for him with a robe, a ring and welcomed him home. The man seemed to receive these truths. We are praying that he comes back and is strengthened in his fight against the accuser.
A lady we hadn’t met before shared that she had lost her children to CPS. She said she wasn’t using drugs but her body language seemed to say otherwise. Sadly, until she can confess her sin, not to us but to God, she will never be set free. We are praying that she would come back and know that we aren’t there to condemn anyone but to share the Savior that can truly set someone free.
Many of the homeless shared that stealing had become an even worse problem. Some of them believed that people were stealing things just for revenge because they were things that were infected with bugs.
Please join us in praying for God’s Spirit to fall over the homeless and bring them to Jesus. Not just because no one should live in the conditions they live in because of drug addiction but also because Jesus has eternal life that will bring wholeness.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are praying that the Holy Spirit would help us all read the Scriptures with our eyes and heart wide open!
Love,
Steve and Donna
7/15/23
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
We often hear the world tell us that the church is full of hate and bickering. Satan is the accuser and would like everyone to believe that lie.
Our experience has been different.
Yes, there are times of disagreements just like there are in any relationship but when believers come together and work to share Jesus with the lost, the love of each believer for one another shines through.
Today we saw the love of Christ shining through each of the ministers to share that love with the homeless. What a blessed day! Even though we didn’t see the effects of that love immediately in the homeless community, the spiritual transactions that took place will be lasting.
As we set up for worship today one man shared that his friend had fallen and hit his head and ended up in the hospital. The man that fell is trying to get back into the New Life Program and we are praying that this doesn’t keep him from that.
As worship started another man came up and shared the same news with the minister.
During the prayer times this man asked for prayer for his friend. This man has asked Jesus to save him but hasn’t seemed to have any change in his life. We are praying that through his friend’s accident that would motivate him to draw closer to Jesus.
An older man who was there had a raspy cough. He is usually pretty friendly but after the worship and the sermon he fell asleep and when he woke up claimed someone had stolen his water. He was angry but then realized that his water was in his back pocket. This isn’t his normal behavior and we are praying that it was just because he wasn’t feeling well and that God would bring healing.
After one younger man was handed paperwork to fill out to get into the New Life Program all the ministers gathered around him and prayed. What a beautiful ending to a blessed day!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission.
May the Holy Spirit show you opportunities to motivate one another to acts of love and good works!
Love,
Steve and Donna
7/8/23
But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman responsible for their deaths. Ezekiel 33:6
For the leaders of my people-the LORD’s watchmen, his shepherds-are blind and ignorant. They are like silent watchdogs that give no warning when danger comes. They love to lie around, sleeping and dreaming. Isaiah 56:10
God says, “Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.” Isaiah 57:14
Believers don’t want to track down sin in other people, but we are seeing the enemy throwing his vomit all over the most innocent of all, children through the guise of tolerance.
We are the watchmen that need to stand against the moral decay of our time.
We know how to fight, on our knees praying.
We need to speak to those around us and tell them the Good News of Jesus Christ and share with them the consequences of sin.
People are in danger and God has called us to rebuild roads and clear away the rocks and stones so that people will be freed from their captivity. It is no time to be silent.
The night before we headed to the street corner we received a call from one of the ministers. He was concerned that there was a parade going on that encouraged perverted behavior. He wasn’t sure that we should be going. We told him that we have gone many times before during these times and that God has called us to go and until He tells us we aren’t to go, we will go.
Today during the sermon a lady that we had not met before got up and started walking around. That isn’t uncommon. But then she started moving the side view mirrors on the bus all around. So a minister went over and asked her to stop doing that, that the mirrors were needed for driving. At this she walked off. We are praying that she comes back.
During the prayer times one man shared that the young lady that gave her life to Christ in June had gotten into a treatment program. Praise God! We will continue to pray that she would stay strong in Christ.
As we prayed with people a truck stopped in the street next to us. A lady in the truck was looking for her dog. She was very upset and crying. The minister was quick thinking and told her he knows who knows where her dog is, Jesus. And he then prayed for her. It didn’t seem that this lady was a believer so we are praying that this would bring her to Jesus. She seemed startled at the prayer but appreciative.
One man shared that he is trying to get back into the New Life Program. He was in the program before and did really well for about six months and then relapsed. We are praying that he gets back in and that he stays in God presence and he finishes strong.
At the end of the day a lady came up and needed a few items. She said she was seventy years old. She was completely without hope. When presented with the Gospel she thought she was just too old. That nothing could change. It seemed as if she thought her life had no meaning and never would. As she was talking tears were pouring down her face. It was clear that even as she spoke the Holy Spirit was working in her heart and before she left she asked Jesus to save her! Please join us in praying for her that she would come back to the corner and learn all that God has for her even at her age.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Be bold and speak truth in love!
Love,
Steve and Donna
“Put your trust in the light while there is still time then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them. John 12:36
“I have come as light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the Day of Judgment by the truth I have spoken. I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And know his commands lead to eternal life so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.” John 12:46-50
When we go to the street to tell people about Jesus we don’t go on our own authority, we tell people what the Bible says. The sun was shining as we pulled up to the street corner today. After an amazing time of worship and an anointed sermon we shared sandwiches with the street community.
One older man who has changed so much in the last five years was having a difficult time remembering who he is in Christ. He seemed really agitated and when one of the ministers went to pray with him he walked off. We found out later why he was so agitated.
During the prayer times a man shared that he wanted prayer for staying clean. Praise God! That is a prayer that God loves to answer. Another man that went through detox about a month ago shared during the prayer times that he was trying to get back into the New Life Program. We will be praying that he gets in and this time is able to finish the program. This man’s friend passed away while he was in detox and this seems to be helping him to stay focused on what God has for him.
A young lady that showed up last week but left during worship stayed for worship and the sermon. While a minister was helping her to get a few items like a coat and pants, tears started forming in the young lady’s eyes. The minister asked what was wrong and the young lady said that it was so nice to have someone help her. After giving her a long hug, the minister shared that loving Jesus motivates people to care for others and then went on to share the Gospel. The young lady gave her life to Jesus! We will be praying that Jesus will give her the strength to stay away from the drugs.
Satan hates when someone turns to Jesus and so he decided to send someone down the street. At the end of the day right before we were getting ready to load the bus we heard loud yelling down the street. There was yelling and pounding and we thought for sure that there were people fighting. But when we looked down the street it was one man and he was pounding both of his fists into the concrete wall and screaming at it. He would then walk a little closer and do the same thing. The minister started praying. He then walked across the street and was pounding his fists into a steel door and kicking it. He then went to a wire that holds the telephone pole up and was grabbing it and trying to yank it out of the ground all the while screaming at it. The only reason that he was able to keep walking after all of this was demonic. We are praying that after he comes out of his drug induced rage and probably spends time in the hospital healing, that the Holy Spirit would bring conviction and he would turn to Jesus.
After watching this man and the demon he was carrying, we understood why the older man was agitated. The older man use to be under the influence of the same type of demon and when someone is around that carries that demon he becomes agitated. We will continue to pray that this man would be less and less affected by the demon.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We carry the light of Jesus, lets us shine brightly and share it with everyone!
Love,
Steve and Donna
Jesus looked at them and said, “Then what does this Scripture mean? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.”Luke 20:17-18
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.Psalm 51:17
Most people who don’t grow up in a Christian home and some, who do, come to Jesus in a time of brokenness. In their brokenness they recognize that they need help and the only place to find that help is in Jesus.
For everyone that is a believer in Christ there will be times of brokenness. Brokenness is God’s way of helping us understand all He has done for us. It is better to be broken than to be crushed under the Rock in the coming judgement.
On the way down to the street corner today there was a truck parked in an abandoned parking lot. The truck had a sign in the window asking if people needed prayer. Amen!
When we see all the evil going on in the country today we need to keep it in perspective of what God is doing in individual believers. Brokenness over the rising evil and over our own sinfulness brings us to repentance and to a place that we are willing to allow the Holy Spirit to use us for God’s glory because the fear of man becomes less and less important.
During the sermon a young man walked through and upon hearing part of the sermon on people that say this is pride month and the preacher sharing Scripture that pride comes before a fall, the young man started mocking God. We will be praying for this young man for Jesus to bring him to that place of brokenness and repentance and that he would find the life that Jesus has for him a life of love and mercy, instead of hate and anger.
During the prayer times an expensive car pulled around the corner and shouted hello to two of the ministers by name. They didn’t stop so we weren’t sure who it was but hopefully it was someone that had been at the street corner at one time and was now doing much better.
One young man that was recently out of detox has been looking for clean and sober housing. This isn’t the first time he has been through detox. He was having trouble getting into housing and yet through the sermon and the prayer time, the ministers were able to encourage him to help him hang on a little longer. He had brokenness and repentance over his addiction and knows that is helping him to grow in Christ but he also needs to let go of the shame that Satan keeps poking at him with. There is no condemnation in Christ.
A man that we hadn’t ever met before shared with a minister that he believed in Jesus but he wasn’t saved all the time. The minister tried to help him understand that Jesus doesn’t let go of anyone that believes in Him, even when we sin and that we need to repent and turn back to Jesus when we do sin. We will continue to pray that he would come to a place of brokenness over his sin and repent so that times of refreshing can come from God.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Brokenness isn’t something to be ashamed of it is a starting point for the Holy Spirit to bring change.
Love,
Steve and Donna
The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
There are many ways to look at this Scripture. The most basic is the physical needs.
Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25
Another way of seeing Psalm 23:1 is spiritual. In Jesus we struggle with wanting to be a good and faithful servant but knowing that we fall so short. And when we see all that is going on in our own life and in the world we can become over whelmed with the possibility that we won’t be faithful in all that God has called us to do or sacrifice.
But our confidence should never be in how strong or faithful we can be, no, our confidence should be in our Shepherd who supplies all of our needs.
They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:28-29
A similar illustration is Jesus talking about what the religious leaders in Israel were like. “When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.” Matthew 12:43-45
Getting rid of the sin in our lives is not enough. We must fill our life with love for Jesus and obedience to his word.
Last week we received a letter from someone in prison. We met him on the street corner and for a time he was doing really well seeking after God and His righteousness. Then he disappeared. We have kept praying for him and will continue to pray for him. But the road he must walk because of his record will be a difficult one. Please join us in praying that no matter how hard it becomes following Jesus that he will keep his eyes on Christ.
Today it was raining. It wasn’t pouring but raining just enough that everyone that showed up was wet and cold.
During the prayer times one man who we hadn’t seen in about a month shared that he was just out of a treatment center. And when he graduated from it he found out that one of his best friends had died while he was in treatment. We will keep praying for this man that Satan isn’t able to tempt him back into drinking because of his heart breaking. This man needs to keep his eyes on Jesus and allow Jesus to comfort and care for his spiritual and emotional needs.
One man shared that people had been stealing from him because he helps out other people when he sees someone else in need. He believes that people are stealing from him because of his faith in Jesus. Instead of being angry he shared that he prays for them. Amen!
Another man that we hadn’t seen in about a year stated that everyone was against him. This man has placed his faith in Jesus but isn’t looking to Jesus for his provision. We will continue to pray that this man comes to understand that if he keeps his gaze on Jesus, his Shepherd will provide the spiritual, emotional and physical protection that he needs.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Let’s help each other fill our life with love for Jesus and obedience to his word.
Love,
Steve and Donna
5/20/23
But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-2
This year reaching out to the homeless has seemed to be more difficult than years past. We know that we live in dark times with people that have hard hearts. But we also know that even when it seems that we are in a drought of people desiring to know Jesus, we are planted by the water and our roots go deep into the river of life and that God will bear fruit in the hearts and minds of those people we meet.
With that being said, it is always amazing that the homeless come to hear the Word being preached on the street corner.
Today after the sermon one man had a question so the minister took time to explain what the Bible says. The brother of the man that had the question told the minister that his brother is always reading the Bible. What an encouragement that was to hear since we have been ministering to them on the street for the last ten years. We will continue to pray that they both read their Bible every day.
A man that was having problems controlling his anger last week seemed to reflect our prayers for him during the week because he wasn’t losing his temper today.
Another man shared that someone had died that we had known and ministered to for about seventeen years on the street corner. Even though he continued to struggle with alcohol he believed in Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins. As much as we will miss him we will see him again. We will continue to pray for the man that shared this and he won’t let his sorrow drive him back into addiction.
At the end of the day as we were praying after loading the bus a minister prayed that God would touch hearts and draw people to the corner and to Him. Just after the prayer a younger man walked up and a minister offered him some water. The younger man gladly accepted and then another minister prayed for him even though the younger man seemed like he wanted to run away. The minister prayed that this younger man would know that God created him with a purpose and he wasn’t some random happen chance and God wanted to lead and guide him. After the prayer the younger man walked part way down the street as he kept looking back and then said something to the effect, “I wasn’t even supposed to be on this street.” God had other plans for him! We will be praying that he comes back and learns to draw near to Jesus.
In this season where it seems like a drought remember that God might just be creating a thirst for His Word and the River of life has not stopped flowing!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission.
Love,
Steve and Donna
5/13/23
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:4-5
Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last day’s scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 2 Peter 3:3
Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. Romans 1:28-31
The generation we live in has turned their back on Jesus. This country and the constitution are founded on the principles in the Bible. But people love the darkness and so they have tried to remove God and godly principles out of every corner of life. And now we live with the consequences. Because of the darkness that has risen in this country many people in this generation have never heard of Jesus or the Bible. They choose darkness because it’s all they have ever known and don’t see that there is true life, spiritual life in Christ that will bring them out of the darkness and give them a hope and a future, peace and comfort even in the worst of circumstances.
Today as we worshipped on the street corner a person came walking up to see what we were doing, when the minister shared with him why we were there he just kept going and walked to the other side of the street and back down the hill. He had no interest in drawing close to Jesus.
During the sermon another man came walking up to see what was going on and in the same way, after hearing some of the sermon just kept on walking.
After worship and the sermon two people started yelling at each other. The one man was trying to irritate the other man and the other man flew into a rage. The minister was able to get them both to separate slightly and just long enough to cool down. But this again is what happens when there is darkness over the city, the state and the country.
People don’t see any hope except for the next physical satisfaction.
With some of the homeless it is usually the next drug fix and for people just driving down the street looking for the next ‘big’ thing in life that brings excitement with no thought to their spiritual need that brings true life.
In the years past the most of the homeless knew that there was something more to life than what they could taste, see or physically touch but those days seem to be gone until an extremely desperate situation happens that brings them to their knees.
As we were getting ready to leave at the end of the day a ‘working’ lady came walking by. The minister told her that Jesus loved her. She shouted some vulgar words back. Sad, she doesn’t understand that Jesus’ love could set her free from the destructive evil that she is living in. We will keep praying that the Holy Spirit would reach her and so many others!
We live in a spiritually dark time but God has placed us here for just a time as this. We are the children of light and we are to carry that light to others in every aspect of life so that we can share Jesus with many more people. And even the smallest light shines brightly in the darkest night.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Burn your light brightly and make an eternal difference in the life of someone else!
Love,
Steve and Donna
4/22/23
Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?” “Guilty!” They all cried. “He deserves to die!” Mark 14:60-64
Jesus answer to the Jewish leaders gave a picture of a powerful role reversal.
The Jewish leaders made false accusations against Jesus to hang onto their earthly power. Jesus declared that He would sit in judgement of them, but His judgement is truth. The laws in our country for the most part use to be based on truth. But it doesn’t seem that there is justice in our country anymore. But there will be a day that the truth of every action will be laid bare and justice will take place.
And I saw a great white throne and the One sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from His presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Revelation 20:11-13
We keep hearing about all these nonprofits that take money from the government to help the homeless, yet it seems that they do things that keep the homeless right where they are.
In Seattle they are going to hand out gift cards. In some places they hand out meth pipes. The nonprofits shouldn’t be paying themselves six figure salaries, instead of having treatment programs for drug addiction and mental illness which can’t be left to a choice of the homeless person.
Not that these programs will save anyone, only Jesus can set them free from spiritual death.
Just an FYI, many Christian nonprofits, like us, work on a strictly volunteer basis and instead of getting paid contribute not only time but resources as well.
But the nonprofit taking money and not using it in a way that is benefiting the homeless is just a symptom of the darkness that seems to be growing in every aspect of this world.
Today during the sermon one man got up and started intermingling Scripture with demonic sayings. He tried to interrupt the prayer time at the end of the sermon but the Pastor kept going and finished the prayer even with the interruption. At that the man walked away.
We must be doing something right or Satan wouldn’t keep trying to stop what we are doing.
As we set up for a hot lunch a group from Oasis Church showed up. They, like us were wondering where everyone was because there weren’t many people around Tacoma today.
At one point one believer from Oasis Church walked down the alley and let some people know that there was some hot food at the green bus and he was able to get a couple of people to come over and have some hot food!
One lady that came back with him seemed fairly young. When asked if she knew Jesus, she said that she loved Jesus and that her grandmother use to take her to church all the time. After receiving a few items that she needed the women from Oasis Church prayed down some Holy fire over her!
One man shared that his friend had been really sick with the flu that is going around but the friend showed up later and seemed to be doing better. We will keep praying for a complete recovery for him.
Another man shared that he is still having problems with his girlfriend. The last time he showed up he shared that she isn’t a believer. We are praying that the Holy Spirit would cause conviction in him and lead him out of a relationship that isn’t honoring God.
At the end of the day a man walked up and wanted a dollar to get some food. We never hand out money so the minister offered him some food. That wasn’t what he wanted.
Sadly, most of the time someone on the street gets money or gift cards, they trade them for drugs. We are praying that this man would come back and put his hope in Jesus Christ instead of a drug to make him forget about his circumstances.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Hang on just a little longer and true justice will take place.
Love,
Steve and Donna
4/15/23
Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another and one bag of silver to the last-dividing it in proportion to their abilities.
He then left on his trip. The servant who had received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, “Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.” The master was full of praise, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ The servant who had received two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ Then the servant with one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I know you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back! But the master replied, ‘you wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25:14-30
The useless servant is like some people we meet on the street. They say they know all about Jesus, but their actions demonstrate someone that has never had a personal relationship with Jesus. Their true belief about Jesus is directly linked to their actions.
Last night one of the ministers had a dream about ministering on the street today. The dream was that we showed up to the corner and there were hundreds of people there but there was so much chaos and confusion going on that we weren’t really able to minister to anyone.
So before heading to the street corner we spent some time in prayer over the dream binding the spirit of chaos and confusion and asking God to give some revelation on the dream.
As we pulled up to the street corner it seemed peaceful and quiet. As we set up for worship a newer car pulled up in front of the bus and a man hopped out. He only stayed a few minutes but one of the ministers noticed a huge knife hanging from his belt.
Worship was interrupted by firetruck sirens and then police car sirens. As we always do, we stopped and prayed for people that serve in the city and for the situations they were headed into.
During the sermon one car pulled over and then slowly circled around the block stopping again before leaving.
After that car left a truck stopped in the middle of the road and the people in the truck rolled down the windows and were listening to the sermon. But being parked in the middle of the road there were cars honking at them as they tried to go around the truck.
During the prayer times one of the ladies in the truck came over and started talking to a minister. This lady stated that she was chosen and anointed by God to let the churches that meet on Sunday know they are going to hell among others things. The things she was saying didn’t make any sense and yet no matter how the minister tried to direct the conversation the lady just continued to ramble on.
The minister stopped trying to speak with her and just prayed for her all the while she kept talking.
As the minister was trying to speak to the first lady another lady climbed out of the window of the truck. This lady was also not speaking coherently. And she seemed on the verge of flying into a rage but she never did for which we were thankful.
During this time a man that seems to carry many demonic spirits came up and after drinking a coffee threw the cup onto a roof of a building as he turned and gave an evil grin to one of the ministers.
Well, there may not have been hundreds of people on the street corner today but it seems as if there were hundreds of demons present. Even so, we know that God’s word doesn’t go void and that even when we don’t get to see what the Holy Spirit is doing, God is working!
Strange day and stranger still was the one man that is usually a handful seemed to be the most normal and thankful.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Please join us in praying for this nation to turn to Jesus!
Love,
Steve and Donna
4/8/23
Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross. They divided his clothes and threw dice to decide who would get each piece. It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. Mark 15:24-25
At noon darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Mark 15:33-34
The physical agony of dying on a cross was horrible, but in his humanity the spiritual separation from God the Father while taking on the sins of the world was even worse than the physical agony.
The darkness that fell over the land reminds us of the darkness that is over someone’s life that doesn’t know our Savior. That same darkness that was over each one of us until the day we met the Risen Savior.
How can we having had that darkness removed sit back and allow others to live in that darkness, unaware that they are even in it?
Look to God’s instructions and teaching! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness. Isaiah 8:20-22
People are in desperate need of the transforming work of Jesus. Now is not the time to hide behind the wall of a church building but to get out and share the glorious Good News of Jesus Christ!
Today during worship a little bird sat on a wire above the speaker singing his little heart out. It was a good reminder that all creation is made to worship God.
While serving coffee one minister noticed that one man was picking on another man. Before he could intervene the man being picked on spoke up for himself without getting angry which is his normal behavior. It is amazing to see the work that the Holy Spirit has been doing in this man.
A man that we hadn’t seen in a very long time, when asked if he needed any provision from the bus, stated that he needed prayer. This man has placed his trust in Jesus but hasn’t shown any interest in wanting to really get to know Jesus. We will continue to pray that he keeps coming back and really seeks out God’s will for his life.
One man that we hadn’t met before started sharing all of these terrible things that had happened to him. He said that he believed in Jesus and knew that Jesus had kept him alive. The minister shared that not only did Jesus keep him alive but God has hope and a purpose for his life and even though he may never know why he went through all these terrible things, God had a reason for them, they weren’t just random circumstances. We will pray that this man comes back and learns more about the God that he believes in.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. Praying that you have a blessed Resurrection Day! Our hope is eternal!
Love,
Steve and Donna
On judgement day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Matthew 7:21-23
The weight of all eternity rest on whether we have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Only when we have that personal relationship with Christ and because of our love for him, will our good works be lasting fruit.
“Yes, I am the vine you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:7-8
What a wonderfully warm and sunny day!
On the drive downtown we looked over and a lady was waving wildly at us. So we opened the door and she said she remembered us from years ago down on the street. She was so happy and excited that she saw us, that we were encouraged also.
As we started praying with people one person shared that he had a new girlfriend and that she wasn’t a believer. The minister lovingly explained that the Bible tells us not to be unequally yoked and he should bring his girlfriend next Saturday. He thought that was a good idea. We will keep praying that she comes next Saturday and puts her trust in Jesus.
One man who we hadn’t met before shared that his girlfriend kept talking about death and he had left his camp early in the morning because he was tired of hearing what she was saying. He also shared that it was even more upsetting about what she was saying because there was a shooting last night and someone had died. The man stated that he believes in Jesus, so the minister shared with the man some of the amazing things that the Bible says about heaven and that he should be going into the throne room of God and lifting his girlfriend up in prayer. We will be praying that he will take the advice of the minister and bring her next Saturday and that she would switch her focus from death to life in Christ.
At the end of the day a group along with their pastor stopped by the corner to say hi while they were out ministering to the homeless and before they had left another a group from a different church stopped by that were reaching out to the homeless.
One person in that group said he did recording at the building across the street and remembered seeing us when he use to go to record.
God is moving in the heart of believers everywhere to take the salt out of the container and bring the flavor of new life to people everywhere!
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. You are the salt of the world!
Love,
Steve and Donna
“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the LORD has punished her twice over for all her sins.” Isaiah 40:1-2
Someone in the bondage and destruction of addiction needs to hear that there is hope, that their sins are pardoned.
O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout and don’t be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!” Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. Isaiah 40:9-10
We have the privilege of carrying the message of hope, a new life with purpose when we share Jesus Christ with the homeless.
And I said to him, “Sir you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. “That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:14-17
White symbolizes sinless perfection or holiness which can only be given to people by faith in Jesus perfect sacrifice. This is the reward that the depth of every soul searches for.
During the sermon today on how Satan deceives people into destructive choices, the look on one person’s face was of complete defeat. But as the sermon continued and the pastor spoke on the prodigal son and how the father opened his arms and welcomed the son home, the look of defeat changed to hope.
Later during the prayer times this man shared that he believes in Jesus as his Savior. We will continue to pray that the Holy Spirit would bring this man to the alter of repentance and he would experience God’s welcoming embrace.
One lady that we hadn’t seen in about three years was sharing how the death of a friend that the ministers knew also, was keeping her from understanding how God could allow so much suffering. The minster shared that the Bible promises that in this life there will be trouble and suffering but there will be a day when we stand before God and he will wipe away every tear and we will be able to rejoice.
Today really was a day to encourage people who have put their trust in Jesus to continue in the faith because a day is coming when all of our trouble will be gone and we will stand before the throne.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to the Street Corner Commission. We are pray that God would encourage and bless each of you.
Love,
Steve and Donna
And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in clothes and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let Me. And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. Matthew 23:37-38
When people refuse to make room for Jesus as their Savior, they become empty, abandoned and desolate.
The day on the street was cold and even with it being cold all week, people still showed up to worship Jesus and hear His words through the sermon. That might not seem like a big deal for those of us who can go back to our warm homes transported there by our warm cars. But it is a big deal to Jesus when someone has been cold all week and chooses to leave the place where they are staying slightly warmer than walking downtown to worship Jesus on the street corner. And we rejoice over this also!
After worship and a wonderful sermon we shared a hot meal with the street community.
During the prayer times one man said he had missed us one week but it didn’t matter because he was there now and could hear Jesus speak to him through the message. Amen!
A minister took some hot food down the street to a man that was curled up in a blanket trying to stay warm. The man was very appreciative of the prayer and hot food. We will continue to pray that he would be motivated to come over and hear God speak to him through the worship and sermon and that he would receive healing and deliverance.
One lady asked for prayer for some problems she was having. She didn’t want to share what was going on but was thankful for the prayer.
It seemed that almost everyone that showed up today was coughing and sneezing and we are praying that God would send His healing touch.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. God’s spirit is moving through this country let’s pray for a breakthrough in this city!
Love,Steve and Donna
He sang: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:2-3
The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward these who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Psalm 102:8-11
But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Malachi 4:2
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Our life in Christ is obtained through death we trust in Jesus, who died for us so that we might die to sin and live for him. Jesus has freed us from the power of sin and that is why we can leap with joy!
Today the sun was shining through the clouds as we headed to the street corner. As we pulled up we could tell that the area where we park and have claimed for Jesus was clean with only one pop can on the street, but the streets above and below us had garbage strewn all over. Before we left for the day we cleaned up and prayed for those areas as well, claiming them for Jesus.
Even with the sun shining the wind was blowing and it had a bite.
After worship and the sermon we started praying with people.
One person had a severe rash all over. This man had some people that were teasing him but he was able to ignore them. This man struggles with anger and the minister let him know how well he was doing by keeping his eyes on Jesus.
A lady that suffers from depression was able to laugh at something a minister said. It was wonderful to see that the grip of depression that usually keeps her locked up tight was loosened today. We’ll keep praying for the day that she is able to leap for joy over what Jesus has done for her.
Towards the end of the day a man who we have known for about ten years showed up. It was heartbreaking to see him. At one time this man was living for Jesus after giving up an addiction. But for whatever reason, not only has he fallen back into the addiction but hopelessness also. The minister offered him some long pants because he was wearing shorts and it was so cold. But he didn’t want them, didn’t want hygiene items and one of his legs was purple and had huge infected sores.
Please join us in praying that he would repent and turn back to Jesus.
A much quieter day today.
Thank you to everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. May God refresh you with a greater revelation of his presence.
Love, Steve and Donna
