Juanita Greenberg's

I did want to share a story.  So we went to Juanita's last week after the missions meeting.  By the way, I'm going back, because I want to yell grace and see Jose again [a nine-year-old who God loves more than I can fathom].

So, we went to Jaunita's.  On our way out, passed a guy drinking alone outside at a table, talking on the phone, obviously angry.  I've been thinking about boldness a lot lately, and praying for people, and loving radically.  So, after saying goodbye I went back out front and interrupted his call with a 'hey, how long are you going to be on the phone?'.  He was obviously not appreciative, and said 'what, man?'  to which I responded, 'i just want to talk to you for a bit.'  He softened immediately, and said, 'ok, like two minutes.'

I grinned on the inside.  I stepped away from the table until his conversation ended, and he called me over.  He said 'what's up man?'
'Hey, so, I know this is strange, but, as I was walking past, I really got the sense that God loves you a lot and wants you to have peace in Him.'

He was kinda quiet for a minute, and then said something along the lines of 'hm, ok, yeah.'

'So, do you know Him, do you believe in Him or?'
'Yeah, I mean I believe in God and all.'
'Are you involved in any community around, or...'
'No, to tell you the truth I'm not.'

And then he started opening up.  He asked about what I do, and then told me about college, and dropping out, the car crash that he's recovered from but that lead to pain med addiction, which shifted to heroin because it was cheaper.  And then going through rehab, getting a job, meditating in the mornings.

So I asked if there were any lasting problems from the wreck.  He said, not really, except his back.  What about his back?  It hurt, every day.

'Ok, I know this is weird too...'  And I told him about when God healed my knee, and then asked if I could pray for His back.  He said, yeah man, ok.  I asked if I could put my hand on his shoulder.  He said, ok man, do what you gotta do.  So we prayed, and I asked him how it felt.  He said, yeah it feels better.  I told him to be honest, he didn't need to make me feel good.  And he said, no, I wouldn't lie to you.  It feels a little better.  So, I explained how Jesus prayed twice for the blind man in scripture, and asked if I can pray again.  Do what you gotta do, man.  So I prayed, and asked how he felt.  He said, I mean, I'm still sore, i worked a long day, my legs..
'Yeah, ok, but what about your back?'
'I mean, it feels better.'
'Like, is it hurting?'
'I mean, I don't know why, but it's not.  Maybe it's my mind or something.  This is weird man.'
'Yeah dude.  It's not your mind, it's God, because He loves you.'
'Yeah.  So, why did you want to come talk to me?'
'Because, God loves you, and wanted you to know that.'

I told him, if he needed anything, come visit me at Kudu.  He said thanks, he might, and then I left him, a little confused, but healed, out in front of Juanita Greenberg's.  I jumped and clicked my heels in the parking lot, worshipping, wanting to yell but keeping my cool.  The Lord is good.