There’s a chapter in Craig Gross and Jason Harper’s book, Jesus Loves You…This I Know titled Jesus Loves the Forgotten. In this chapter Craig writes, “Jesus was intentional about making a beeline to get his arms around the forgotten… Jesus loves the forgotten and the marginalized. He is committed to loving them through the disastrous, deadly, self-worth eliminating effects of being overlooked”. Who is more overlooked or forgotten than the homeless? When I heard about Bridget Willard’s Pardoned Prodigals motel outreach I had to share it during Love Your Neighbor week. Record numbers of families are living in motel rooms in the United States. It’s not uncommon to drive by seedy motels here in the Detroit area and see children playing in the gravel parking lots. Jesus loves them and so should we. I’m proud to share how Bridget is showing love to these forgotten, marginalized neighbors.
NW: What exactly is Pardoned Prodigals Outreach?
BW: We are a group of people who have a heart to reach the downtrodden, discouraged, dejected people of Orange County. We spun off of More of Jesus Ministries which started in 2001 on the corner of Beach and Ball in Anaheim, CA in a parking lot. On Friday nights we go to a motel, serve warm food, distribute donated clothes and bread, and have a church service (sermon, worship, prayer).
NW: What does a typical Friday night look like? What all do you do?
BW: There are three families that take turns each week preparing the meals that are served. Clothes are also brought and given away as they are donated. After our social time we have a worship team of four (2 guitars, 2 vocals, and cajon) lead worship then we have a memory verse, sermon, and prayer. A typical night goes like this: 6:45-7:15 dinner; 7:15 – 7:45 worship; Memory Verse. Then the children go into their own room (my husband and I teach them) for a children’s program. The adults have a sermon and prayer (laying on of hands) until about 9:00PM.
This morning I was invited to lead worship for the His Kids bible study put on by Teen Challenge in San Juan Capistrano.
There were about 30 kids from ages 8-15 in attendance–they were so responsive! (That’s always so rewarding for any worship leader). I was amazed at how quickly they picked up hand motions.
Here are the songs I chose:
1. Joy that Giggles
This is a song from Don Jackson/KIDS CRY OUT “HE is the ONE” CD (which is a must-have for any children’s worship leader).
2. More Precious Than Silver
3. Teach Me to walk
Again, from KIDS CRY OUT. I thought it reinforced the lesson of Jonah.
Micah taught on Jonah, had questions and answers, and we closed with a song.
4. Oh How I Love Jesus
Of course I taught them the song, then had boys vs. girls competition. I think they may have heard us at the Mission!
I hope to return next month. It was a great experience.
– They line up to take communion during this song:
“Softly and Tenderly”
Then “Oh How I love Jesus.”
– Should end on a great celebration, I think.
I have learned “Mighty To Save” wrong or something and I just can’t get the tune down. I’m rather disappointed that I’m not able to incorporate it into tomorrow’s service.
Well, you can’t be perfect.
Also, I have decided against my own song, “Behold the Lamb” only because I think these two hymns are perfect for those at the outreach. I did it last week anyway and Quincy up in Longview is doing it this weekend. Hee hee.
On my third cup of coffee, I still spilled it over the counter while stirring in my whipped cream. Which reminds me of the floor that needs mopping while I take the time to blog or procrastinate depending upon your perspective.
Chloe the wonder dog woke me up at 9:00 a.m. to take her to the dog park. Groping around in the dark [okay, so it's not dark at 9:00 a.m. but when you go sleep at 1 a.m., back to the story] I wash my face, brush my teeth, put on my contacts and my dog-park sweats and head out the door. Mind you we did already “go for potty” at 5:13 a.m. But then again, this is part of my normal Saturday routine. And, the love for my dog compels me. We had a great walk.
This week I played keys and sang (just barely). Having a double ear infection and hearing only what it sound like under water is not ideal–that’s for sure. BUT this lady after worship hugged me and cried and cried. Just goes to show you that it really doesn’t have ANYTHING to do with how we feel, etc.
Our team also included Nicole on Vocals and Warren on Guitar. Camille played the cajon for the first time–she did a great job. David joined us on the d’jembe. Wyatt played the tamborine. It was a wonderful, neat time with the Lord. I’ll post an updated photo later.
Here is the list:
Joy To The World (G)
George Frederic Handel and Isaac Watts. CCLI Song No. 4576068
As well as a worship leader, blogger, and teacher, Bridget is also an author; her first book BAGEL BY THE SEA is currently available. Bridget is has also written a devotional journey for worship leaders entitled ON THE MOUNTAIN. Both are available on lulu.com and as Amazon Kindle books.
There’s a chapter in Craig Gross and Jason Harper’s book, Jesus Loves You…This I Know titled Jesus Loves the Forgotten. In this chapter Craig writes, “Jesus was intentional about making a beeline to get his arms around the forgotten… Jesus loves the forgotten and the marginalized. He is committed to loving them through the disastrous, deadly, self-worth eliminating effects of being overlooked”. Who is more overlooked or forgotten than the homeless? When I heard about Bridget Willard’s Pardoned Prodigals motel outreach I had to share it during Love Your Neighbor week. Record numbers of families are living in motel rooms in the United States. It’s not uncommon to drive by seedy motels here in the Detroit area and see children playing in the gravel parking lots. Jesus loves them and so should we. I’m proud to share how Bridget is showing love to these forgotten, marginalized neighbors.
Talk about 11th hour.
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