Public Praise to God Is a Testimony

Luke 17:11-19...

11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

The Samaritan Leper whom Jesus healed praised God in a loud voice to give testimony to those within his hearing of Jesus work in his life. The original word used for loud means “Large/great”.  When we know that God has done a work in us, we can’t help but glorify him by sharing our testimony with others. Our faith in God is evidenced in our public thanks.

Psalm 22:23 “You who fear the Lord, praise him!  All you descendants of Jacob honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!"

Do you unashamedly praise God in testimony to others of what he has done for you? Your public praise is a measurement of your faith. It says to others that you have personal experience that bears witness to the fact that you believe that God is who he says is and that you believe that God will do what he says he will do.

Jeremiah 20:9 “But if I say, I will not mention him or speak any more in his name, his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”

Acts 4:20 “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

If you have something to praise God for, do it! In so doing, you are giving testimony to God’s work in your life. This Thanksgiving season, let’s remember to praise God.

Written by Major Cheriann Stoops
Asbury Park Corps

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A Life Formatted for God

As a tech in The Salvation Army, it is best practice to use a disk drive or an external drive that has been formatted. By having the drive formatted, it will reduce the risk of infected files or corruption on the drive. Any time you work with something that is used and has current applications or software, it is best to format first. This will reduce any incompatibilities or current applications and software that are not needed. The assurance of having a formatted drive rules out and eliminates the possibilities of failure.

The Bible (God's Word) speaks concerning how difficult it would be to put something new into or onto something that has been used. In Matthew 9:17, it reads: "Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

I like what the last phrase of v17 says: "both are preserved." God's assignment is to assure both are preserved – HIS word and His people. That's why the scripture points out the story of Nicodemus in John 3:3. In reply, Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again (formatted)."

The Lord Jesus wants to format you that you can receive the Word of what the Father has spoken, concerning Jesus and your relationship with HIM. It's hard to rewrite over an application or program. The possibilities of failure are imminent! The Lord Jesus wants to give you a fresh start and a new beginning with him.

Let's not operate any longer on Windows 98 or XP. There is a new operating system that has worked out all the glitches (sin) and the blue screen (death). Jesus repaired both, and to receive his operating system (Holy Spirit), we must be formatted. It's amazing that the root word of format is form, and God the Father can do just that! Will you open your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, repent (turn away) from your sins, invite HIM into your heart, and let the formatting begin? God Bless you!

Terrell Curry
IT Service Desk

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Tough Mudder

“Don’t quit!”
“Keep going!”

And my personal favorite, “You’re going to feel amazing when you finish!”

These were just a few of the statements made by several of the event and medical staff that were stationed around the course at the Tri-State Tough Mudder 2013. I learned several things that morning and a few stood out to me:

•    Encouragement goes a long way
•    Teamwork makes the dream work
•    There is satisfaction in completion

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we read, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up...”

There were moments in the challenge where it seemed that the logical thing to do was to quit, turn back and live to fight another day. By the time you reach mile 3 (a quarter of the the way), your body is aching, you’re cold and beginning to notice a few aches accumulated along the way. Thank God for encouragement! It seemed that every time doubt crept into my mind an encouraging word reminded me that I’m able to take another step, climb another wall and endure a little longer. The encouragement prevented defeat from ever gaining a foot hole in my mind.

Proverbs 27:17, “ Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another...”

Tough Mudder was designed to ensure camaraderie. The challenges and course can be completed by an individual, but it is not good for a man to try it alone (see what I did there *wink wink*). I saw a man struggle and literally hit a wall...of mud...and begin to give in to frustration. He found life when someone reached back and grabbed his arm. With a new strength, together he climbed that wall as a stranger pulls him up. He then continued on the course to the finish.

John 19:30, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.””

In The Salvation Army, its not uncommon to begin a project or effort and not see it in its completed state. One officer may begin a campaign for a new building and the next may begin the construction. No matter what the task, there is a great sense of achievement when it is completed. When I crossed the finish line at Tough Mudder, I fully expected to collapse and just lie on the ground until I had enough strength to stand. What I found was that upon completion, I was still standing!

Not everyone will do and complete a Tough Mudder, but we all will face challenges or know someone in the midst of one. Your words of encouragement might be all that stands between victory and defeat in that moment. We are creatures of community, therefore, we ought to be there for each other. Lastly, Let us meet our next obstacle and see it through to completion. Join in the finished work of Christ!

Written by Lt. Darell Houseton
Newark Ironbound Corps

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Examine Your Assumptions

Assumptions are a powerful thing.  If we assume something, for example that it will rain today, it affects how we plan for that day.  You might grab an umbrella, reschedule a hike, or cancel a trip to the beach. 

Let's go deeper than just how it affects our day-planner.  Merriam-Webster defines assumption in the following ways:

1 : a taking to or upon oneself <the assumption of a new position>

2 : the act of laying claim to or taking possession of something <the assumption of power>

3 : arrogance, pretension

4 a : an assuming that something is true

b : a fact or statement (as a proposition, axiom, postulate, or notion) taken for granted

Depending on your life experience and working definition, you may identify with many of these definitions above.  The fact of the matter is when we make an assumption, we begin to own it or take possession of the idea or thought.  We all make assumptions.  It is part of our human condition.

Here is the big question:  What assumptions do we make about God?  Our faith? Scripture? I think we would be naive to think we don't make assumptions about God, either consciously or otherwise.  How can assumptions impact our faith? How do we move beyond these assumptions in our walk?  Scripture has a few things to say about this danger. 

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.
What happens when we go beyond just our assumptions?

Ephesians 4:14-15

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

Assumptions require going deeper to find out what lies beneath a thought or notion.  If we do the hard work of pressing beyond our assumptions we make ourselves open and available to the Holy Spirit.  We might not always know the end result, but at least we haven't settled in and stopped at simply assuming.

Written by Chip Kelly 

Territorial Lay Leader
Development Bureau Director

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Be a Christmas Miracle!

I love working for The Salvation Army!  No one day is ever the same and knowing that on a daily basis we as a team with our volunteers are helping many individuals and families throughout New Jersey with their basic needs.  October is here already and the Christmas countdown is on...only 76 days to Christmas!

Christmas is by far the most busy time for our officers, employees and volunteers at The Salvation Army.  Unfortunately for some, the holiday season can mean unmanageable expenses, disappointed children and empty stomachs.  Every November and December, people across the United States see The Salvation Army wearing its most public face, reminding everyone that we answer the needs of families who need food, shelter, and clothing, and not only at this most special season but throughout the year.  Thousands of families are in need in the New Jersey area and come to The Salvation Army so they can make Christmas a memorable season for their children.

There are many ways in which you can partner with us this year to help spread holiday cheer and help those less fortunate:

§  Sponsor a toy drive – The Christmas season can be especially difficult for the needy who often cannot afford to celebrate Christmas by giving their children presents.  In an effort to provide these families with holiday cheer The Salvation Army implemented its Angel Tree program to provide Christmas presents to children who would otherwise go without.  You can help by organizing a toy drive to benefit The Salvation Army Angel Tree program.  We also have opportunities available for you to Adopt A Family in your local area.

§  Sponsor a food drive – You can make a real impact on hunger in New Jersey by organizing a canned food drive to benefit Salvation Army pantries.  There are many ways you can structure a drive.  You can opt for the tried and true techniques, like holding competitions at work or have everyone fill a paper bag approach.  Or choose less conventional routes like creating a theme, or throwing a party and asking employees or friends to bring a food item to gain admission.

§  Be a bell ringer – Volunteer to staff a Salvation Army Red Kettle at one of our many locations.  Our kettle stands are staffed Monday through Saturday from early November to Christmas Eve.  Individuals and groups are needed for at least a 3 hour shift.  Organize a group at your church, school, college, company, service club etc and commit to staffing the kettle for a whole day.

Helping The Salvation Army is an ideal way to give back to your community.  It also encourages fellowship, unity, awareness and philanthropy.   Why not give some of your time this Christmas season to help a local family in need?

For more information on how you can get more involved and help us help others this Christmas season please visit www.salvationarmynj.org/christmas.

Written by Judith Anderson

Volunteer Resources Manager

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The Full Truth

(written on September 19)

I saw Sha yesterday.

We talked for the first time in ten long, feels-like-forever-ago days since he left the hospital.

He asked why I didn't stop by Rite Aid earlier, having seen me pass it nearly every day. I told him part of the truth, then the full truth.

"I'm always running late for work when I drive by...and I'm hurt. It hurts to see you back here."

I asked him what happened, how he went from all in to all out. He told me the full truth.

"I'm not ready."

His words hit like a soft dagger, a tender weapon.

Sha said that his heart wants his body to get well, but the battlefield of his mind supersedes them both. I asked what his rock bottom is and said that if I were him, I would have been at that point a long time ago.

He didn't have an answer.

Sha started to go off on a tangent, asking for my assistance on a new project. I refused his request. I told him that my family and I had already put our lives on hold for him, and his asking for more, while using again no less, was a slap in the face. I said that both my dad (who visited Sha at Rite Aid on Saturday) and I were able to sit with him now only because of the Holy Spirit in us. Otherwise, perhaps a few obscenities would have been exchanged, bringing this story to an end. But it's not finished.

I handed him the seemingly endless list of detox/rehab phone numbers I had called.
"I won't make the calls again. This is on you now."

As firm as I was, Sha knew my words weren't seasoned with anger or bitterness.
"If I go to rehab, will you still support me?"

I told Sha that he always has my support in prayer and love, and nothing will ever change that. I gave him a hug, he gave me a kiss, and I started to walk away. He called back out to me.

"Something good is gonna happen in your life. I know it."

I smiled.

"How about a deal? When I have good news, I'll report back to you. When you have good news, you'll report back to me."

He nodded his head and waved goodbye. I got in my car, and a deep peace washed over me.

Before talking to Sha yesterday, I prayed for Christ to give me the right words to say, and I believe He did. I pray Sha meditates on them. I pray he meditates on how much the God of the universe loves him.

Jesus is ready for you, Sha.

Written by Elyse Jankowski
Community Relations Associate

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Marriage God's Way

What is your definition of Marriage?  If I were to interview people at random asking that question, I would receive a variety of definitions. It's one of the hottest political topics of our day. If I were to ask the question, "What is the purpose of Marriage?"  What would you say? On what do you base your answer?

As Christ Followers and Salvationists, we believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God and that they only constitute the divine rule of Christian Faith and practice. As Christ followers we base our definition of and purpose for marriage on the teachings of the Bible. The Bible teaches us that Marriage God's way is a "oneness" created by God (Genesis 2:19 – 25).

Adam lived in a pristine garden full of fruits and vegetables with a pure river running through it which watered the garden and provided an unlimited source of crystal spring water. (Can't you just picture him doing the backstroke down the garden river with a big smile on his face?). He had all kinds of animals with which to play and frolic. He had meaningful work taking care of the garden. He enjoyed the privilege of free choice as recorded in Genesis16, when instructed to eat from any tree but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

While naming the animals, Adam must have noticed that each kind of animal had mates, but he had no companion. When he started naming the animals, he was practicing his power of speech. Surely he had to notice that he had no one with which to speak. Both he and God must have noted these things because God said in Genesis 2:18 "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

So, God performed the first recorded surgery. Note that Eve was not taken out of Adam’s head to surpass him or from his feet to be trampled on, but from his side to be equal to him, and near his heart to be dear to him, and under his arm to be protected by him. The human pair was different from all the animal pairs. Eve was formed out of Adam – she was body of Adam's body - THEY were one. One flesh refers to the personal union of a man and woman at ALL levels of their lives: emotionally, personally, socially, economically, legally, and sexually.

Once, when the Pharisees asked Jesus, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?" Jesus replied, "Haven't you read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female. And said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Matthew 19:4-6)

The Bible teaches us that Marriage God's way is a oneness created by God and an exclusive relationship between one man and one woman for a lifetime.

Sin has messed around with the exclusivity of marriage since Old Testament times and has therefore ruined marriage for many people. God clearly warns us to honor our Bond to our spouse.

God said to Moses, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14)

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27 & 28)

Jesus said, "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Matthew 19:4-6)

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." (Hebrews 13:4) 

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator...because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion." (Romans 1:25-27)

Sex outside of an exclusive relationship between one man and woman is destructive. A visual illustration of this is found in a piece of clear tape. Let's say a piece of tape represents an individual whom is sexually pure. Their ability to bond physically with another individual is strong. The first time that piece of tape is placed on someone's arm, it has the ability to  bond to the arm in a strong, secure fashion. However, if the tape is torn off of that arm, it is now covered with skin cells, body hairs, and DNA from the arm to which it was originally attached and its future bonding ability is lessened. Every time that tape is attached to a different arm, more skin cells and body hair and DNA is attached to the tape, impairing its ability to "stick."

In the same way, should an individual who has had multiple sexual partners one day want to marry someone, he is less able to commit and trust that person because his bonding ability has been significantly altered. God has our best interest in mind when he tells us to be monogamous. He wants us to enjoy and experience the fullness of a trusting, loving, committed, relationship. 

The Bible teaches us that Marriage God's way is a oneness created by God, an exclusive relationship between one man and one woman for a lifetime, and an illustration of God's relationship to the church.

The way we live our married life is designed to be a daily testimony to our children and others of God's love, faithfulness, forgiveness, patience and commitment to the church.  Ideally, marriages should be pointing the world to Christ. Throughout Scripture, God's union with the Church is illustrated by the covenant of marriage...

Isaiah 62:5 "As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will God rejoice over you."

Hosea 2:19 &20 "I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness, and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord."

Revelation 19:7 "Let us rejoice and be gland and give him glory. For the wedding of the lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready."

The entire book of Hosea and Song of Solomon are marriage metaphors of God's relationship to the church.

So...it makes logical sense that our earthly, Christian marriages were designed to point unbelievers to Christ. Here is an example of how God has instructed us to be examples... 

The book of Ephesians says it well. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God...Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:1 & 22 

Husbands are to submit to their wives as well as wives are to submit to their husbands.

To submit means to subordinate. This kind of submission is a voluntary attitude of giving in. It is not forced. No one is holding a gun to your head and saying "submit or else." It is acting in a spirit of cooperation. 

Submission has to do with humility, others, service, self-sacrifice, and cooperation. It means not always getting my way. It means willingly following another. It means life is not about me. 

A life without submission has to do with pride, ego, selfishness, and superiority.

Submission has to do with putting others' interests above my own.

Ephesians five goes on to explain the type of submission husbands and wives are to give to one another…

Wives are to submit to their husband's leadership and to respect their husbands.

And husbands are to submit to their wives by loving them with the same tenderness and sacrificial love that Christ showed the church...A love to the death. 

The Bible teaches us that Marriage God's way is a oneness created by God, an exclusive relationship between one man and one woman for a lifetime and an illustration of God’s relationship to the church.

As Christ followers we base our definition of and purpose for marriage on the teachings of the Bible. How does your marriage measure up to God’s outline for marriage in the Bible? Don't become sucked into society's view of marriage. Timothy Keller describes societies current definition of marriage in the following statements:  

"Marriage is finding emotional and sexual fulfillment and self-actualization."

"Marriage is a terminal sexual contract designed for the gratification of the individual parties."

"Marriage used to be a public institution for the common good, and now it is a private arrangement for the satisfaction of the individuals. Marriage used to be about us, but now it is about me."

"Today’' society does not see the essence of marriage as located in either its divine sacramental symbolism or as a social bond given to benefit the broader human commonwealth. Rather, marriage is seen as a contract between two parties for mutual individual growth and satisfaction. In this view, married persons marry for themselves, not to fulfill responsibilities to God or society. Parties should, therefore, be allowed to conduct their marriage in any way they deem beneficial to them, and no obligation to church, tradition, or broader community should be imposed on them."

What an impact Christians could have on our children and the world if we all committed to doing marriage God’s way. Permit the Holy Spirit to Counsel you as you answer these questions... 

1)   Does my marriage reflect a oneness created by God? 

2)   Is my marriage an exclusive relationship between me and my spouse? 

3)   Is my marriage a daily testimony to my children and others of God's love, faithfulness, forgiveness, patience, and commitment to the church? 

4)   If you are not married, do your interactions with married individuals support or hinder God's design for marriage?

5)  What is the first step God wants me to take toward a journey to Marriage God's way?

Heavenly Father:

Thank you for marriage as you created it. As your followers, we want to do it your way.  We believe that your way is the best way for us, for our children, and our influence on society.

I ask you, Heavenly Father, that you will give individuals the courage to obey your direction concerning the first step the Holy Spirit may be asking of them. I pray that their first step will lead them to a series of steps that will guide them to a Godly state of marriage or a Godly state of honoring others' marriages.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Written by Major Cheriann Stoops

Asbury Park Corps

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What Love Looks Like

I am completely and painfully heartbroken.

The past 48 hours have been a whirlwind of tears, hope and despair.

Shaheed was driven down to Monmouth County on Saturday by his friend James and James’ son Tremaine, with the joyful expectancy of starting our documentary film on Sunday afternoon. After some GPS trouble, the trio arrived at my dad and stepmom’s house to a warm welcome. The six of us went out to dinner and had a blast sharing stories and laughs. While James and Tremaine headed back to Essex County, Sha stayed at my parents’ home for the night before joining us at Shore Vineyard Church on Sunday morning.

Sha smiled from ear to ear as countless church family members greeted him, praised his story and encouraged his walk with Christ. When our Pastor Brett Conover gave him a hug and a kiss during worship, my eyes welled up with tears, knowing how much that meant to Sha.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this. I want more.”

Overcome by his contagious grin, my heart softened as I watched a man learn what love looks like.

After church, we set out with my dad to start filming in front of the Neptune house Sha grew up in. Thankfully, this didn’t bother the current owner! As wonderful as the weekend was so far, it became clear that Sha wasn’t quite himself. He looked drained and sickly. When I asked him what was wrong, he hesitated to answer.

“Sha, it’s just me. It’s ok. You can tell me the truth.”

And finally, on the curb of a sun-drenched street, the truth came out. Sha is a heroin addict.

He held his head in shame and admitted to lying about parts of his story. As easy as it would have been to react in anger, I actually grew excited. God had brought a 53-year-old homeless, handicapped, heroin-addicted black man and a 27-year-old none of those things white girl together for a purpose - what we thought was just a short film. Instead, it seemed God had paved the way for Sha’s freedom from addiction. What an honor to play even the smallest role in this!

“I’m ready because you believe in me.”

Not entirely sure what to do next, my dad and I drove Sha to Jersey Shore Medical Center’s Emergency Room, where he remained for two days, detoxing without any medication. Sha’s social worker at the hospital said they don't provide the services he needs. She gave me a list of numbers to call with a warning that he would have to leave the hospital this morning.

I’m quite certain I’ve gone cross-eyed from calling every possible detox/rehab number that I could find statewide. To my sorrow and stress, absolutely no one would admit Sha into a program. Some had several week-long waiting lists, some weren’t handicap-accessible. For one reason or another, it seemed every door was closing, and Sha would end up back on the street. Thank God for my coworkers who saw me crying on numerous occasions today as I sunk into helplessness.

“God, you brought all of this together. Now, we need you to make a way. You must make a way for Sha.”

While I attempted (and failed) to pull myself together at work, my dad and stepmom went to visit Sha at the hospital, only to find him sitting in the parking lot by himself. He had been discharged with nowhere to go.

My parents, who demonstrated heavenly grace throughout the weekend, brought Sha back to their house to clean up as we furiously prayed for a solution. James came up with some ideas, and they fell through. I found two potential leads, and they fell through. I grabbed my tissue box for the umpteenth time today as my phone rang.

“Nan found needles and drugs in Sha’s pocket. We kicked him out of the house.”

My heart sank. I had spent the past two days trying desperately to help a friend who gave me his honest-to-goodness word that he wanted to be clean. And now this.

The police came to my parents’ house to dispose of the drug paraphernalia and decide what to do with Sha. By God’s grace alone, an officer who is “human first” offered to take Sha to the train station and pay for his ticket to wherever, rather than arrest him. And just like that, Sha was gone.

I have no idea where he is. I have no idea if I’ll ever see him again, if he’ll die on the streets or if he’ll stay clean.

This is new territory for me. My emotions have never run this wild for a man who was a stranger only a few weeks ago. A man who has cheated death multiple times and passed on an opportunity for new life. I can only pray that Sha is safe and takes recovery into his own hands. I did everything I could do for him, and even knowing that truth still leaves me broken.

I’ve been saying over the past month that “this is kingdom stuff,” because it is. This is the stuff of faith. I have seen things in my parents this weekend that rival anything I could ever ask of them. I’ve even seen things in myself that scream true transformation. I could not have relentlessly survived this experience without Christ, nor can I get through the days to come without His steadfast love. Sha is in His hands, and I cling to the hope that someday soon, he’ll come home.

Written by Elyse Jankowski
Community Relations Associate

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Meeting Jesus Outside of Rite Aid

Shaheed has one tooth, zero legs and countless stories to tell.

He sits in his wheelchair holding a change cup outside of the Rite Aid on my way to work. Most passersby pay him no mind, myself included, until God called me out.

I stopped into Rite Aid for a few things on a rainy morning and quickly gave him my dismal change while shuffling back to the car. About a week later, I felt the Holy Spirit speak to my heart.

“You could have given so much more. Why didn’t you stop and talk to me?”

It was the best wake up call I've received. I packed up my favorite daily breakfast (two pieces of sprouted grain toast with almond butter, flax seeds and banana slices) and prepared to step out in faith.

I sat down on the sidewalk in front of Shaheed and asked for his forgiveness. I apologized for practically ignoring him a week before and asked how he was doing. Gentle and quiet yet cheerfully grateful, he accepted my breakfast and offer of prayer. We held hands, and I prayed a blessing over our new friendship.

That was a week ago. Neither of us could have prepared for what God did today.

This morning, I took my seat at the foot of Shaheed’s wheelchair, and he completely opened up about his life, from being raised by his Seventh-Day Adventist grandparents, to an adolescence of drug abuse and false success before serving in prison, to how he lost his legs (and dreams of pro boxing) in a fatal drive-by shooting - Shaheed was pronounced dead after being in a coma for 11 days. But God wasn't finished with him yet.

He chuckled a bit while explaining that after his recovery, the Holy Spirit started working on his ego, and Shaheed knew that he would have to surrender every part of his being and submit to Jesus. I chuckled when he said, “It actually didn’t hurt as bad as I thought it would!”

As he spoke, a heavenly passion radiated out of him, and I sensed that Shaheed was telling me his story because he longs for it to be known. While making it clear that my intention was not to exploit him, I offered my videography skills. I told Shaheed I would be happy to record his story and share it with the world.

His face lit up.

As we celebrated this opportunity, I suggested we pray together and asked Shaheed to lead. He took my hands in his and gave thanks to God for a new friend who sees him “differently.” I continued in praise after his prayer, and when I opened my eyes, tears were streaming down his face.

In a flood of emotion, Shaheed shared that the woman he considers to be his mother did not speak to him for several years because she was disappointed in him. When they finally reconciled just last week, he promised her that he would tell his story, in the hope of it saving someone’s life. After making the promise, Shaheed wondered how he could fulfill it.

He said that one of his favorite passages in the Bible is Matthew 3:17 when a voice from heaven says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Shaheed yearns to hear his mother say, “Son, job well done.” I believe that when she sees our video, he will hear those words.

We both cried in the realization that God had brought us together for a purpose. I went into Rite Aid to buy a few things (including Shaheed’s favorite orange soda), and when I walked back out, a woman was talking to him.

His face was still in awe of God’s handiwork as he told Maria about our video idea. She also became excited and said the three of us should pray together right away.

I smiled and closed my eyes as Maria transformed into full-on prayer warrior, hands lifted towards the sky. She prayed to cancel Satan’s assignments against us. She prayed for blessing over our lives and plans. She prayed words of praise to Jesus Christ, and I stood with my arms outstretched, delighting in this amazing kingdom moment. What a sight we must have been to see on the busy street!

After spending a total of thirty minutes in conversation with Shaheed and being thoroughly late to work, we decided to pray on our video project over the next week before trying to start it next weekend. We want God’s will to be done – He is the director and producer!

Shaheed requested that we film in Asbury Park, where the home he grew up in still stands, and where many of his memories, good and bad, stem from. The first apartment I lived in as a baby also stands in Ocean Grove, the next town over. I’ve been in Asbury and Ocean Grove the past two weekends and will be again this weekend. I have always felt a divine peace there, and it’s starting to make sense.

For the past two years, I’ve been desperate to discover my calling as a follower of Christ, rarely meditating on the simplicity of joyful (and sometimes nerve-wracking) obedience to His voice. When God has His hand in something, you just know.

I am Shaheed’s answered prayer. And he is mine. 

Written by Elyse Jankowski
Community Relations Associate

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