It's the Gospel

Written by Otis Cole

I am Thankful for Thanksgiving dinner at the Hand Up Ministries residential campus. The sober-living facility where I have the privilege of living and serving as a Chaplain.  Everyone was fed to the point that no one could possibly eat another bite.  We were truly blessed as we came together and broke bread as brothers-no discrimination, no division, no barriers of race, color, religion, or background.  Just brothers laughing, sharing stories of past Thanksgivings, and enjoying the goodness of God together. 

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Many of us couldn't be with our families this holiday, and moments like these can easily bring sadness or depression.  But God showed up! His presence filled the room, and there was no heaviness-only love, peace, and compassion as we stood together as a family of brothers in Christ.  But God wasn't finished. 

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After dinner, about nine of us prepared around 50-60 plates of food and desserts and went out to bless the homeless.  I was given the honor and privilege of praying over everything we were about to share.  As I prayed over a group of homeless men and women, I broke down in tears.  And when the prayer ended, almost everyone there was in tears as well.  All I can say is this:  God moved through me in a way I have never experienced before.  His love overwhelmed me to the point that I could hardly speak.

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That same love flowed through me and touched the precious people we served- not only the homeless, but also the brothers who were standing beside me.  I had an amazing, unforgettable day.  In all my 65 years of life, I have never experienced a Thanksgiving like this one.  I know I will carry this memory forever, and I will always be grateful to God for blessing me with the greatest Thanksgiving Day of my life.  All praise, glory, and thanks be to God and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ-for touching my heart with a love I've never felt before, and for the brothers He has placed in my life here at Hand Up Ministries. 

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"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us." 1 John 4:12 NIV "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" these My brethren, you did it to Me." Matthew 25:40 NKJV "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you...By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 NKJV

Love and Faith of a Prayer Warrior,

Otis Cole​​​