The Emmy's at the Shrine Auditorium, red carpet, movie stars and the attention of the world are just a couple miles down the street from our simple line. The parties and crowd move up through the city and downtown was lit up like a Hollywood premier with something big going on over at the Disney Concert Hall and surrounding facilities just a couple of blocks from us. The people waiting for Jodi's hot chicken and rice casserole, salad and dessert could have cared less. We're humbled as men and women welcome us in love- in the middle of their personal heart break and poverty -just as if we belonged on a red carpet. Carl, Dustin and Bart had plenty to do making sure everyone in line started the night off right, bag in hand, sandwich, blanket, jacket, something to warm them against the cold. Summer's easy: the minute the weather changes our work load increases as the demand for anything warm increases ten fold. This morning on TV they were rating best dressed of the young, attractive and wealthy at the Emmy's. This morning, just blocks apart in the heart of the city, dozens and dozens of people woke up warm and ready for the change of seasons because good people like you cared enough to support Jackets for Jesus: cleaning your closets, collecting jackets and blankets from friends, connecting us to corporate donors and by giving financially. Some day the bright lights will be for you. Thanks so much.

Our corner's a little stage in the middle of more activity than any one person could track. Ethnic, religious, political and social events pound the heart of the city as if they're doing all they can to keep it beating and vibrant. Most residents of southern California avoid coming to the city- when they do come, it's usually for something special. It's fun to watch the cars drive by, heads turning to stare at our work... at all the poor people... sometimes they roll up windows and lock doors- occasionally they wave and smile. Sunday night, Evelyn was serving and a man came up behind her and asked if we accept cash donations. We all know the right answer to that question. Thinking he would ask for our address, instead, he pulled a $5- bill out of his pocket, pressed it in her hand and walked away. Laughing about it later, Evelyn said she just slipped the money directly to Jodi for next weeks meal. The story reminded me again of a simple truth our work has taught me: everyone wants to do something good for God- most just don't know how. Working on our corner- thousands have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of this curious miracle in the darkness and some can't help but stop and learn a little more. I can't help but wonder about the many who carry the image home with them and wonder what it's all about and what they might do to change their world. Even in the darkness, in the middle of the night, on the edge of skid row- God's used us to touch hearts. Every good work for Him shares it's own time in the spotlight. He's too good. May He richly bless this stranger who stepped out in kindness with a simple gift in love.

That's Katie- one of our newer workers, behind a table each Sunday night. The commitment and energy of new people standing up to serve is always an encouragement to those of us who've been going to the streets for years. Katie and her fellow teacher, Leslie, are both hard workers and fun to be with. It's something I probably don't confess to often enough in these updates: we have a really good time together every Sunday night. Leslie was sick and Katie, who doesn't live in Riverside, was faced with needing to drive to McDonald's alone at night. She called to see if we needed her: Jodi and Evelyn resoundingly said "Yes!" and Katie joined us for her first time, alone. Pretty cool. When we closed the evening, Katie prayed, no longer feeling the "should I stay or should I go" feeling, but now, on the streets, firmly in our circle, she expressed our thanks to God for another good night together. It touched us all. Our prayer is that this simple work together on the streets, is more then just a slipping away from our homes and into the darkness, but instead that we're meeting a need in the hearts of men and women who no longer know the security or warmth of a home to slip away from, that in everything we do we can give God The Glory and that when the world clamors for the red carpet and the spot light that we don't care who gets the credit for our work, as long as God gets the glory. We feel blessed just to go. You're always invited. You're needed now, more than ever.

for changing lives,

Eric

PS

Bob Pearson, early worker with Jackets for Jesus- years ago - now heads up an international ministry serving AIDS/HIV orphans. He's bringing the Kuyasa Kids, an African Children's Choir of orphans, to Central Community, Wed., Sept. 26, at 7PM. It's going to be an incredible night with some amazing children- up close and personal -you're invited.

email: eric@centralcommunity.com

phone: 1-951-689-5806

web: http://www.centralcommunity.com