My Nonprofit Reviews

I just want to thank everyone apart of the Jonah Project for showing me what it actually looks like to be selfless and empty yourself for the One true thing that matters.

The morning I volunteered on Skid Row, I felt called to sit by this elderly, asian man at the "Christ Cafe" and just start a simple conversation on how his night had been and if he was enjoying breakfast. Within 30 seconds, he asked me rather suspiciously, if I was there to witness to him- and I told him the truth, I just wanted to hang out and be a listening ear. Immediately, He asked me if I knew the Word of God and if I had a relationship with Christ and of course- I told him that I did... that God is good. John, as I quickly learned, was also a follower of Christ and he put me to the test right away. He decided we'd play a little game. For every verse I hid in my heart and committed to memory... he would have one... so the game started and I was shocked by his lightening quick, powerful verses. After a few minutes back-and-forth, I struggled a bit. He told me he had 365 verses memorized total and we joked a bit on how I needed to brush up on my skills.

It wasn't long that we started to feel really comfortable around each other, and his heart poured out to me. He shared bit of his story and asked for prayer as he was the only Christian in a family of Buddhists and how much he longed for his two adult children to know the power of Christ. He emphasized the beauty and strength of reflecting day and night of the Word, to completely embody it in every way so that we remember that He is in control and has already provided everything we need. He told me several times that he was not only content, but joyful that the Lord's plan for him was to live on the streets. He told me that it is the MOST satisfying thing to have absolutely nothing but total dependence on God, the ultimate source of love. I was not to be discouraged, because HE loved me just as much as John, the pastors, the crack addicts, the prostitutes... and all those living on Skid Row. John continued to encourage me to pick up my cross daily, to read all of the bible, and see how God is unchanging. He reminded me that we were one by the Spirit and united in Christ. He especially touched my heart when he completely stressed (almost shouting) that it is so important to come alive and put the Word into action through and in God's love (Agape)! He literally re-told me the stories of Daniel, Job, Paul, and Samuel... to remind me that anyone can be used by the Lord.

John told me that everyday is a struggle, but he is reminded that eternity is near! When people beat him up on the streets or tell him to "Go back to China", he is reminded by the scriptures that his God is so much greater! He took my hand at one point and we prayed deeply for each other. :) God is so good.

I love The Jonah Project because encounters like this happen each and every day. Patrick and Mary Beth, along with the others who are ESSENTIAL to The Jonah Project, lead by example... showing us how to be the hands and feet of our Lord Jesus Christ!

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