Neighbors

As a base part of our vision is to reach every community in the Central Coast of California. This jurisdiction includes about 10 towns. It is our desire to see a house of YWAMers in every one of these places. We currently have houses in 3 towns and our office is located in Pismo Beach.
I live in Oceano with three other roomates. Oceano is directly adjacent to Pismo Beach. It is known for it's large dunes (you feel as if you are in a desert!) lots of ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) accidents, and for being predominantly hispanic and low income.
Every thursday we gather as a staff to evangelize in the towns of the Central Coast. As per God's leading we have spent most of our times in Pismo Beach building relationships with businesses and meeting many tourists on the pier but today we had the priviledge of being able to go door to door in Oceano.
I will confess that at first I was quite nervous about using this technique. Images of Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses flashed through my mind. Although I admire their boldness, I was reminded of all the negative reactions others (and at times myself) have had as a duo of suit clad strangers approached the front door. It was with these thoughts and this attitude that I went before God asking for his direction and guidance during our time. I've learnt that God doesn't require us to be pro's or "natural evangelists" in order to use us, he simply asks that we be willing to trust him to give us strength and grace.
Although I can't boast that God used us to lead anybody to the Lord today, he did give us wonderful conversations with many people.
Most people were slightly skeptical at first. Were we selling anything? Once we made clear that we were not, we simply shared with them that we were neighbours from up the street wanting to bless them and show them God's love. We offered to cut grass if needed, pray if any needs arose, and asked if we could come visit again. Some people seemed a bit confused, others still unsure of our motives, while a few invited us into their homes saying "they just don't do that anymore...nobody seems to know each other!"
I'm very excited. I know that today was the beggining of some important friendships. Please pray as we continue to impact our communities here in the Central Coast. Pray also that the Holy Spirit would soften people's hearts and that indeed there would be a ripe harvest in Oceano.