a heartfelt thanks at Christmas

Thanks for the Backpacks!  – Watch Teri’s video on Youtube here

It was nice to hear good things about “backpack night” from a couple of our “regulars” Christmas Sunday.  Each week I try to post photos and a video or two- right from the corner -to Jackets for Jesus on Facebook.  Pretty cool to follow, right while we’re on the streets.  Something we never could have imagined when we first rolled up to hand out a car load of jackets, in front of the old Union Rescue Mission, previously on Main St, right next to St Vibiana’s – now a party place – just “Vibiana.” Sunday night, just after services and a meeting of some sort, January 1, 1989.  Pastors Dean Witkop and Ray Smith, then members of Central Community, rode with me in my little 1988 Honda Civic Hatchback – our son John’s still driving it.

23 years of Sundays– this Sunday night.  Doesn’t seem possible or even plausible for that matter… only God keeps doorsl like this open for so very long.  He’s too good and we’re forever grateful for every opportunity to serve, to share, to grow and love that He’s given us.

We’re starting the new year, 2012, on the streets.  As always, you’re invited.  God may use you to carry the torch for the next 23 years 🙂

Happy New Year… here’s to a year where everyone’s quick to share a jacket and an evening in joyous serving.

Eric

Happy New Year!