5-28-14

Greetings and good morning UBFM,

I hope this message finds you all in the middle of a joyful hump day. We have reached one of my favorite days of the week primarily because I get to visit with and share some fellowship with some great friends. I hope you are able to join us.

So far, this week has presented some showers. As the forecast tells, it doesn’t look like they are going to subside anytime soon. It looks as if today has a 60% chance of rain. Or, there’s a 40% chance of no rain, depending how you see the glass. Either way, a little precipitation has never stopped us from fulfilling our weekly mission. Pack a rain shield to be on the safe side.

I would like to thank all of the gracious folks that contributed to last week’s ride. It was a beautiful night for an evening journey and a fantastic group came out to deliver supplies. I am not certain how many burritos went out but I know we made and distributed over 300. In addition, several cases of bottled water, bottles of juice, and many other miscellaneous items. Many thanks go to all of the riders that participated but thanks to the people behind the scenes that donated funds and supplies, helped cook food, helped us promote our mission, and offered countless prayers. I strongly believe God created this ministry. However, God works in the world through people. You are God’s hands and voice in the world. A small meal and conversation with a stranger may not seem like a lot, but it is. It may not only change someone’s day but it could potentially inspire him or her. Your act of kindness may encourage someone to pass it to another. God’s love is contagious.

Tonight, as we come together, let us focus on sharing that encouragement with all of the people we encounter. Let us not only share it with the friends we meet on the streets but let us share it with one another. We are a church. The word for church stems from a word that describes a gathering of God’s people for the glory of God. We are an active church that meets once (now twice) a week. With that said, encourage one another. Let this not only be a mission for our neighbors we encounter but an oasis for each other to refuel our spirits.

Tonight we will meet at our regular scheduled time and place: 7:30 PM at FUMC, 204 N Second St, Memphis, TN 38105. If you would like to help with preparing some burritos, Brent will get started in the kitchen around 6:00 PM. We will roll out around 8:00 and return around 9:30 or 10:00. If you plan on riding with us I look forward to seeing you and serving with you. If you are joining us for the first time all you need to bring is a bike, helmet, backpack, and a giving spirit. A lightweight rain jacket might be necessary this evening. If you are unable to join us I ask that you pray for our mission. Pray that we are safe but pray that we find people who are in need of our offering. Pray that we make a difference in someone’s life and pray that we make an impact on our city. Thank you for all of the time, donations, and prayers you all give to this mission. It is a blessing to witness the work you do!

Peace