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Over the past few weeks I’ve been hit with the reality of this, the world is getting bigger, cities are growing yet there no is no growth of the people who are falling in love with Jesus (thankfully my pastor spoke up and mentioned this because it changed my heart) People are craving intimacy with the most intimate, creative, everlasting Father and don’t even know that He is standing in their midst waiting.

 Last month I met a wonderful man named Kenny, I am so excited to finally share with you all what the Lord did through this meeting.

 A month ago, I was walking downtown with some friends like we always do on Thursdays and as always, we passed some homeless people. This Thursday was different though, I felt different, more confident, more eager to share Jesus with someone. I was thinking maybe a classmate of mine but the Lord had someone else in mind.

My friends and I walked past him in a hurry as we were already late for class, and my heart dropped, I knew God was calling him out to me so I asked “Lord who is he? What do I say?” and He said the most simplest thing, “although he has heard it, share the good news” Now I don’t know about you but I have never shared the gospel, the good news with a complete stranger before, its uncomfortable and awkward but it’s the most beautiful thing you get the opportunity to do! (thanks God)

As I was walking towards him, I noticed tons of people walk out of offices/restaurants, OF COURSE everyone comes out from work/lunch NOW. But instead of feeling anxious and scared I felt so peaceful knowing Kenny was going to change life.  I had my goldfish and juice box I brought for lunch and 50 stars on my Starbucks app, I thought I needed it but Kenny had to have it.

 I ended up going to 3 different Starbucks before finding one that took your reward stars.  I was exhausted. It had been more than 25 minutes but all I could think about was Kenny, sitting in the cold and not knowing our creator. I got back to Kenny, gave him the coffee and snacks and he asked me this “why are you doing all of this? Hundreds of people walk by me every day, no one has ever stopped and been this nice”

 My heart was broken for Kenny, he was a person who mattered, he was worth more than his situation. He was more than being a homeless man. He was a man who was loved by the highest and it was my job to tell him that. I laughed a little when he asked me this question because boy was, he in for a treat! I shared with him how I came to know the Lord, that I have and do make mistakes but the Father still sees me as His child just as He sees Kenny. I opened myself up completely so that Kenny could see the goodness of God.

 As I spoke to Kenny the most beautiful image popped into my head. Kenny however many years later was sober, he was smiling and he was in front of a group of men. I began laughing at this joyful image so, I told him that he is going to encounter the extravagant, radical, beautiful, forgiving Father SO soon.

 I wasn’t expecting any reaction out of Kenny, I couldn’t get too excited. Kenny sat there for a second and then starting sobbing, I placed my hand on him and prayed that this moment would be the moment he has been searching for, the moment he went to Jesus.

 Moments later Kenny looked at me, wiped his tears and said “Ritz, you’ve changed my life…thank you” He got up and he walked away. I stood there watching him walk away, I felt like there were cameras recording all of this because it felt surreal. I am so excited for Kenny, for his new life with Jesus. I hope to meet him in 5 or 10 years and see the miracle God did.

 As I prepare to leave in just 2ish months (WHAT!) my heart is earnestly praying that I get to meet more people like Kenny, that I get to minister to them the simplicity of the gospel, so extravagant indeed but it’s so nice that telling people about the hope does not need to be a big grand gesture. Loving them well and noticing them for who they are is what matters and it’s what gets people out of the hands of the enemy and into the loving embrace of the Father. 

 Please continue to Pray for all these amazing things!

  • My mind, heart and body
  • Fundraising process/exciting ideas
  • My team and their own fundraising
  • The countries I will be in Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru!

 

Thank you all, much love and God Bless.

Ritz<3

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