What a great month to reflect on Jesus Christ, the reason we're here and the reason we do what we do. When Shores of Grace first started, we didn't know what we were doing. We were simply being obedient to go to the lost and the broken, the sons and daughters who God wanted to reach on the streets. Every time we go out to the streets, we're still in that anticipation of wanting to know what God wants to do through us there but we can see the Lord developing and shaping us as well as the ministry.
Each of our four bases has seen the Lord do incredible things this year. In Fortaleza, we started a Jiu-Jitsu program with the children in the local communities. They are learning obedience, discipline, strength, and worth through the class. Members of our team come just to converse with the parents and other children who come with the kids, build a relationship and get to know their life and their needs. Fathers who have wanted nothing to do with a church have been coming to the class (at a church) to join the adult class. In Philly, our family dinners have become such a hit that we need more volunteers. People are hungering after family and the family of God.
At Recife, we started to have worship and discipleship in the homes of women who work or have worked on the streets. They invite their friends to get to know this Jesus we know and they have come to know. This year, we went to the houses of three different women. Next year, we will be going to the homes of nine different people. We are amazed at how well God does relationships with His children and how incredibly attractive He is as we see more and more people see and be drawn near to His light.
This year for Christmas, we were able to share a Christmas food package with a few families. Usually, these families would only get to eat a simple meal but this year, we were able to give them a turkey as well as a few other traditional Christmas foods like Panettone. One woman screamed and jumped for joy when she saw that she would be able to serve a turkey to her family for Christmas. The joy that resonated in that room was tangible and beautiful. You can feel the tangible presence of Jesus as we meet those He loves and this is why we do what we do and we are so blessed you are with us.
