not so fast!
Taking a Break from the Bicycle to go preach and witness on the streets of Pontiac, Michigan
Greetings to all in the blessed name of God and our Saviour—Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel and the Saviour of the World.
I am writing from my aunt's computer room just northwest of Detroit, Michigan. After finally bringing the camper shell fiasco to a close, we left the Life Action Retreat Center in Niles, Michigan and drove across the state enroute to the Upper Peninsula. We stopped about halfway (sort of out of the way) to see my great aunt and uncle for the night (I have not seen them in years). Anyway, the Lord quickly showed us that this revised route was ordained of Him. We had a couple of nice witnessing opportunities yesterday as we were traveling. All praise to Him. Also, He continues to provide for us.
After another wonderful home-cooked meal, we bedded down last night with plans to get started bright and early this morning. We anticipated driving the rest of the way to the Upper Peninsula (about 250 miles) where I would begin the bike ride again from St. Ignace. I wanted to bust out about 20-30 miles before sundown. As I laid down last night, however, there was a check in my spirit. Though anxious to be back on the bicycle enjoying the great autumn weather of the UP and the nice red full moon that is presently adorning the night sky, would I be willing to stay another day near Detroit if the Lord so prompted us? These were my thoughts as my eyes fell in slumber.
This morning, we awoke and begin packing stuff up. But, the Lord put roadblocks in our path to hinder things. Before long, I knew that He was prompting us to remain another day. The message became clear: NOT SO FAST! Knowing that we were so close to another major metropolitan area, my conscience just would not let me press on without getting the Gospel out onto such streets. Jamie felt the same way. To make a long story short, His will was quickly confirmed.
Jamie and I spent the afternoon on the streets of Pontiac, Michigan. Pontiac is a northwest suburb of Detroit that is pretty much ghetto and rough area (at least where we went). We drove down, parked without trouble right beside a rescue mission, and then walked up and down the streets for a couple of hours. Numerous Gospel tracts, Bibles, and socks for the homeless went out. There were several divine appointments—people that were ripe for an encounter with the Gospel. Such were people that God plainly intended to speak with today. I am so thankful that we were obedient. Please pray for:
David—He was shot in the head several months ago, and in four other places. He survived. Thus, he was very open to the Gospel. May the Word spoken to him, and the Bible in his hands, not return void.
Rosalind—homeless looking for a job, she requested prayer. We prayed for her right there on the street and then saw her again a second time. She even admitted that God must have sent us. Pray for her salvation and that GOD will get her life back together.
Frederick—a nomadic wanderer searching for truth; I spoke with him for quite some time about the Gospel. He was very open, took a Bible, and promised to read it. He even requested my phone number so that he could call me to talk more in the future. Please pray that he calls me. This guy was seraching, and I explained to him that I have stopped searching. I have found the Answer (Jesus Christ); he can find it too.
Chris—Jamie witnessed to this guy for awhile. He took a Bible and some Gospel tracts, promised to read them.
There were countless other encounters that were amazing. I could go on for hours. We offered this one lady some socks and a Gospel tract when she walked out of the rescue mission. Her mouth dropped to the ground, and she was amazed. She knew not the Gospel, but she claimed that she had been praying for some socks and that she had been wanting a Bible. She was so excited that God had actually answered her prayers. This gave an astounding opportunity to expound upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I felt somewhat like Peter must have felt when he went to talk to Cornelius (Acts 10). In the end, she made no profession of faith, but the seed was planted. She even took a Bible for her husband. As we walked away, I heard her approach a friend and just go ballistic with excitement over what had just progressed. It was for these reasons that we were supposed to be in Pontiac today. There was a bus stop right in front of the rescue mission, so we also got to speak with a lot of people waiting for the bus—some simple preaching and a lot of one-on-one encounters. We walked away spiritually stoked.
This evening, after another wonderful home-cooked meal, my cousin came over. I had not seen him in about 15 years. I came up to Michigan with my grandparents for a family reunion when I was about 12 or 13 years old (my grandmother had 14 brothers and sisters). With all the older folks, I was somewhat bored and lonely, so Marc (in college at the time) took me to this cool arcade and just really paid attention to me one evening. At the time, I had a blast. Little did either of us know that 15 years later, this encounter would lead to the both of us hitting the streets of Detroit and preaching the Gospel on a September evening. Yes, I called Marc this morning, and he agreed to go with me tonight. To make things brief (the hour is late), we drove over to Royal Grove, a Haight-Ashbury type community just on the fringe of Detroit. There were lots of people on the streets—community college students getting out of class, yuppies, Goths, young teenagers, and hordes of motorcyclists (apparently, they hit the streets every Thursday night). Lots of tracts went out. Marc was very bold, and his presence was of great spiritual support. We also unloaded some Bibles into spiritually desitute hands. May God's Word work effectually unto everlasting life. On one occasion, I found this cement base extending from the bottom of a brick wall on a bank. Lots of people were hanging out on the sidewalk with their motorcycles. This seemed to be a natural pulpit of sorts, so I stepped atop and begin to preach the Gospel. Many passersby heard the Word of God while Marc was diligently engaging those who stopped to listen or inquire. I have been reading this book written by a street preacher who has been proclaiming the Gospel publicly for years. He suggested that one carry around a small crate or a step ladder because elevating oneself above the crowd (even if it is ever so slightly) will make a world of difference as to getting people's attention. I was really surprised as to how this actually works. Standing on the cement base, I was about a foot above everyone else. In ways, a crowd was drawn like I have not seen before. Of course, the Lord God was responsible, not some cement block. Nevertheless, I might just start carrying around a small step ladder. Many heard the Gospel. We were supposed to be there. The evening ended on a high note, despite the Evil One's persistent attacks to prevent the Gospel from making inroads. The Lord was working in the heart of this young man named Robbie. When I finished preaching, Marc had already begun a good conversation with him and this girl. I walked over and listened for awhile. We both started chiming in, and Robbie was genuinely interested. However, I believe that Satan was using this girl to stifle our efforts. She kept interrupting, spouting off harsh accusations, twisting our words, and encouraging Robbie not to listen or heed our reproof. I really wanted to say, "Get thee behind me Satan." However, Marc and I both held our tongues. Finally, she stumbled away, having heard the Word herself and showing evident signs of conviction. We had one last moment with Robbie alone. He finally took a Gospel tract and promised to read it. God, it is in your hands. Please pray for this young man. He was searching.
A Night of Street Fishing with my cousin, Marc
After a couple of hours, Marc and I headed back to his parents' house where I am now penning this update. Today has been a blessed day. Ironically, we almost missed it because of an urge to hurry up and get back on the bike. I stand at the end of this day grateful that the Lord stopped us. I go to bed again still not sure about whether we should press on tomorrow. Something tells me God is still not finished with us here in the Detroit Metropolitan Area. Please pray that His will is plainly laid before our eyes. Above all, we desire to be obedient. The winter cometh, the birth of our baby cometh (Lord, willing), but we must be obedient to the voice of our Lord and Master.
I will write no more. Stay tuned, new adventures await.
Godspeed as you serve Jesus Christ, and we love you all.
Jesse & Jamie Boyd
Full Proof Gospel Ministries
Acts 4:24-31