The Next 23 Years…

We celebrated 23 years of service on the streets of Los Angeles last Sunday night, January 1, 2012.  Pulling up to the street New Years Day, couldn’t help but feel a bit nostagic… thinking back over so many hundreds and hundreds of nights together, never imagined it.  Jodi and I had talked through the names of so many people who’d served alongside us.  Jodi’s been at it for 16 years -16 years of planning, shopping and cooking a meal for hundreds. The team she works with; Evelyn, Beatrice, Bart, Carroll, Phoebe, Katie, Robert- over 17 years of work for Robert – represent so many more across the years.  Cooking, serving, driving, cleaning up and telling the story- it’s something we all do -as best we can, try to be a voice for those who, for whatever reason, are no longer listened to- are ignored and overlooked in a world where wealth “wins.”

“Answering The Question’s” becoming a fun video tradition – Theo shared briefly this week- just follow this link to my youtube channel or you can always catch it at Jackets for Jesus on facebook. It’s a cool way to listen… and we could all do a little more of that in 2012.   So much has been made of giving a generation a title.  Teens, ignored in poverty, are just lost… and they sound like it.  They don’t usually want to share- this young woman -raging with a skateboard and frustrated with my inability to follow with my phone -gladly shared.  Don’t know either of these kids stories but I’m certain heartbreak’s involved… and so much more… listen… watch… They’ve been overlooked too long and are crying out to be heard.  You may not have time or passion to add them to your daily prayers- but could you say a small prayer for them today?  God knows.  God sees.

You’re Invited!  We’re looking forward to discovering what God has in store for the next 23 years.  Guys on the street all pointed to the bags, the trailer, the van that all prominently state: “Serving the heart of Los Angeles since January 1, 1989.”  Doing the math- many had a good laugh pointing out how old I’ll be in another 23 years… we did the same in the van on the way home… we don’t know if we have another 23… God promises today – and somehow, all those “today’s” added up to 23.  We’ll leave the future in His Hands.  He’s in charge.  We’re here to serve.  He’s too good.  We’re going this Sunday night.  You’re Invited!

Happy New Year!

Eric

Eric M. Denton