Smiling faces... That's Karla, Nicole and Wil, handing out donuts and making sure everyone's happy after being served. Karla and Nicole were with us for the first time and served as if they'd done it for years. Wil's my father-in-law and he has been working with us on Sunday nights for years. When we give instructions to first time workers, we tell them to smile, be friendly, to welcome people in love... and not to wander off... People load into the van in Riverside, a little nervous and possibly wondering what they've gotten themselves into... by the time they're at work one wouldn't know them from long time workers at the table. Smiles and kind words account for so much when people are hurting and hungry.

A college freshman... it all happens so fast. Jackie's grown up around Jackets for Jesus- her entire life. Her mom, Theresa, has served across the years as well as her sister, brother and grandmother. Sunday night, as we left the church, climbing into the van, I asked if she was joining us for the night- she explained her college schedule and how she's wanted to start making her way out with us again. Listening, I found myself looking around for her mom... hard to imagine kids can be born and grow up to be young adults in the time we've been working on the streets. Jackie was a fantastic worker last night, right at home in the middle of it all, watching her, Dustin, Phil and our other "young" workers I was filled with hope. God always has a plan and without me doing much about it, He's lifting up a new generation of workers that have grown up serving on the streets. They're not afraid of skid row, the homeless, poverty and they love The Lord. Good things are happening on Sunday nights- and it's not just with the guys in line -hope in the darkness radiates all the way out to our warm homes and changes lives.

That's Ron, in the big picture at the top of the email. He ran down to meet us just as the line was wrapping up and greeted me with a huge embrace. He said: "I came down to tell you that Julio's trusting God!" You may remember the story of him praying at the library with a man who'd lost hope after a series of tragedies in his life. He said he sought shelter again on Saturday- this time from the rain instead of the heat -at the library and Julio was there looking for him. He said that a week ago Sunday he'd discovered new peace and was able to put his problems in The Hands of God and he'd returned to skid row to thank Ron for his prayers... Ron came to thank me... he said: "I know he found peace while we prayed. I could feel it!" God's good. Julio had been in my thoughts and prayers all week. Thanks so much to those of you that lifted him up at some point in your prayers. Restoring hope... it was never Jackets for Jesus first mission... we always hope to have enough jackets for the night, sandwiches to hand out, maybe some fruit and we trust God's going to lift up Jodi and her team to provide an amazing meal... and somehow, through these simple steps of love God uses us to help restore hope to people we'll never meet... He is too Good. The memories of honest smiles: Ron, Wil, Nicole, Karla, Jackie and so many as they come through line are reason enough to return each week. After days of cold weather and rain, we celebrated our meal and time together under clear skies and hope was restored. Some Sunday nights, on the ride home, I wonder why anyone would live without Jackets for Jesus in their lives- especially when our hopes and hearts are so easily shattered. You're always invited to join us on the streets- we're going this Sunday night -you're needed, now, more than ever.

for changing lives,

Eric

PS

Kuyasa Kids- an African children's choir made up of children orphaned by HIV/Aids is with us at Central Community this Wednesday evening- you're invited. Go to www.centralc ommunity.com for more info.

email: eric@centralcommunity.com

phone: 1-951-689-5806

web: http://www.centralcommunity.com