LET MY HEART BREAK

In all my encounters with the homeless, I have never gone searching for a homeless person, they just find me.  Coincidence?  I don't think so...
Last week I met a homeless man named Kevin.  I asked him if he would like some food and his reply was, "No, my feet are freezing."  He was wearing a pair of Vans tennis shoes with no socks.  The tennis shoes had definitely seen better days.  It just so happens I started a sock drive for the homeless a little less than a month ago.  I told Kevin not to go anywhere and that I would bring him some socks.  As I ran back to my truck, I wondered how many times Kevin had been told, "I will be right back."  Upon my return, Kevin was standing right where I had left him and as I handed him the package of new socks, his reply was, "Nothing makes a man feel brand new like a clean pair of socks."  Sometimes, I have to grit my teeth so I don't cry...

I prayed, "Lord, teach me how to keep my heart from breaking
When I see people starving in ghettos godforsaken.
And help me not to grieve when on some far-off ground
Our army scores a victory and bombs their cities down."
Christ wept, "But you forget their pains and grief I bear
I feel the hurt of millions
I'm crushed with earth's despair.
My heart is always breaking
I still must mount my cross
Because so few disciples feel heartbreak for the lost."
I cried in shame, "Dear Lord, no longer in mere token
Will I claim to be a Christian until my heart be broken."

And what pity He felt for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn't know what to do or where to go for help.  They were like sheep without a shepherd.  "The harvest is so great, and the workers are so few,"  He told His disciples.  "So pray to the one in charge of the harvesting, and ask Him to recruit more workers for His harvest fields."  Matthew 9:36-38

RADICAL RECOVERY

Today, I have the privilege of interviewing, Pastor Jerry Pineda.  Pastor Jerry and I actually met on Twitter!  He is the Director of The Solid Rock Road Christian Recovery Program, located in Southern, Oregon. 

 His wife Jamee Rae and certified counselor, Sherry Colby, authored the book, Follow the Solid Rock Road, Pathway to Radical Recovery.  I have asked Pastor Jerry to answer a series of questions and at the end of the interview, you will have the opportunity to purchase the recovery book or contact him for additional services.

1. What is the one thing you think people would like to know about you?

 I spent decades in addiction and was on the verge of divorce when I was completely delivered by God (or an angel). He came in the middle of the night and challenged me to get sober, get back to my wife and to turn my life over to Him. I fought against this for about four hours, but finally gave in. As soon as I said, “Okay, I’ll do it,” I fell asleep. When I woke up in the morning, the world looked brighter and I felt hopeful. It was like I had entered the land of the living. Most importantly, I had no desire to drink or do drugs, and have been clean and sober ever since. I reconciled with my wife, got saved and am now a pastor leading a recovery ministry.

        2.  How would you describe the book, Follow The Solid Rock Road to readers?  

Follow The Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery takes readers on an experiential journey where they learn to fight and win the battle for their own souls. Promoting 10 Bible-based principles for clean and sober living, this book is filled with spiritual truths and solid Christian theology. It takes people from the Yellow Brick Road that leads to smoke and mirrors, and onto the Solid Rock Road (the foundations of Jesus) where real freedom from addictions is found. The authors – Jamee Rae Pineda and Sherry Colby – offer hope, personal stories and practical help to addicts. They have also provided an outstanding recovery resource for pastors and recovery ministry leaders.

3.   What has been your biggest obstacle in life?

Without a doubt, drugs and alcohol. 

        4.   What are you currently reading?

 I just started reading a book sent to me by a Twitter friend, Christopher B. Wolf. It’s titled, Giving Faith a Second Chance. (Of course, I read the Bible nearly every day.)

        5.   How can readers contact you or purchase your book? 

Readers can contact me directly at 541-778-8680 (PST).  People can also visit The Solid Rock Road website at www.TheSolidRockRoad.com, or our blog at www.thesolidrockroad.blogspot.com.

We’re also on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad or www.twitter.com/thesolidrockrd, as well as on Facebook.

Click on the title of this blog post above, RADICAL RECOVERY and the link will take you directly to The Solid Rock Road website.