Like many of you, I have watched the lights and trees coming up all over town. Christmas in the air everywhere I go. I always find this time of year kind of sad. I was leaving the airport in Los Angeles a few days ago, and like always, I found myself greeted by the countless homeless people. But, this day brought me back to a trip to California four years ago.
If you have ever traveled with me then you understand where this is about to go. I always keep money in my pockets to help people. This day was extremely tiring. I had been in a meeting with an artist and was left totally numb. The meeting had gone on for 12 hours and the artist was still not willing to wear red for the award show. A 12 hour meeting about a red dress was enough to make me crazy.
After leaving the meeting I noticed this little family of three. As we drove by I asked the driver to turn around so I could watch these folks. We pulled over and watched as this mother, who was probably 16 years old, changed her baby's diaper. The baby was laying on the ground. The father was probably in his late teens as well.
I knew we were in a bad area, but I couldn't stand it any longer. My hands were sweating and a tear had already fallen on my arm. I unlocked the door and placed my foot to the ground. I could feel a rush within me. I wasn't sure if I would get robbed, shot or mugged. As I approached, the man stood up and told me to get away and mind my business. I explained to him I wanted to help.
He reminded me a lot of myself. My wife and I worked for room and board at a North Carolina motel when we were first married as teenagers. My daughter's crib was a dresser drawer with a piece of foam rubber for a bottom that I removed out of a chair. We only had those few things in that little room. We were later robbed and ended up homeless and living on the streets of Sparta, NC. This wasn't my first time homeless. I had lived on the streets as a teenager. But, it was the first time I had to look in my family's eyes and say, "I'm sorry."
I remember holding my little girl's warm hand as she drifted off to sleep wrapped in a blanket. She would smile up at me, not realizing we were homeless. I had no idea where the next meal would come from. I met a lady named Cora Neville of the Sparta Baptist Church. She gave us a voucher to go get a meal and a few dollars to get the baby some milk and food. If it weren't for this lady I don't know what I would have done.
Because of my past. I couldn't just drive by this couple and their child. As I knelt down by them in the grass, I began to see the miles of pain in their eyes. They were lured to Hollywood by hopes and dreams. They quickly found the reality of music and movie towns. Within a few weeks of being in LA she found herself on the streets working as a prostitute.
I could see the confusion in her husband's eyes. He said "I can't believe I let her. I can't believe it." She took him by the hand. I could feel such love in this twisted little triangle of fear and total loss. She was beaten and drugged and sold for sex. He later began working for a Compton drug dealer. Before they could get out, they were already in to deep. He showed me scars where he had been stabbed during bad drug deals. She had scars on her feet from walking the strip night after night. She started telling me of her failed family. She never had a family to hold onto, a parent to take her to church or correct her wrongs. An innocent child lost into the world to be tossed by Satan's promises and winds.
Her next words and the panic in her face nearly drove me to my knees. She began sobbing and said "Can you have God come get us? Have him take me and my baby home. PLEASE." She said she couldn't face one more day of panic attacks and pain. I took her by the hand and asked her to go to God. "Let Him heal you, let Him hold you, let Him rebuild a shattered life. He loves to work in hopeless situations."
I could hear the horn blowing. The driver was getting frustrated. He had no where to completely get out of the road. I told him to leave me and I never looked back, until it started to rain. And when I looked back the driver was gone. I was 3000 miles from home, in the middle of a ghetto with 3 homeless people. It began to rain even harder. So, we circled the baby and tried to shield it from the rain. These kids had years of healing before they could even find light at the end of the tunnel.
I remember when I too was hopeless. I would lay in my house in a corner, begging God to take me away. The depression would get so bad, I had to fight suicidal thoughts all day. A guy that works with me, Shane Jordan, would kick the doors down to get me out. I remember shaking in my own skin begging God to call Satan off my life, to help me find light again. I felt like such a failure. My job was so stressful, my family was falling apart, my health had failed me and I had panic attacks so bad I couldn't leave the house. I remember thinking God did you really call me to work in gospel music. I had all of these friends and no one knew my private distress. I remember sleeping with my head on Psalms 23. My son would come in and say, Daddy, is it a day you can get up?" I would reach for his hand and cry. I remember I was bed fast with depression for months. And one night I was laying in the bathroom floor and I got angry. I felt I had no more to give. But, I was angry. I was mad that the devil had robbed me of my life. I began casting out the devil and taking back my life.
As I thought of this, I found myself and this family in California on the ground in the rain, casting out the same demons, praying that hedge of protection around these precious people. We cried and rejoiced. We moved into a small pawn shop doorway. I felt like they would make it. I felt like they would find away to get back to Jesus. I called for another taxi. We went shopping. They got new clothes and food for the baby. And I found a motel that you could pay by the month and paid for them a month. I called the local authorities to get them into the system.
I left feeling like my reason for this west coast trip was to meet this precious family. I hugged them and left. As I got to my hotel that night I found it hard to sleep. My chest felt big and my heart felt like it could bust. I was so happy God used me. Little did I know how much. Just last week, I was calling on the West coast to book one of my artists. When the preacher came to the phone he explained to me the Pastor over the Children's Church had requested one of my atists come out to minister. I didn't find anything unusual about his request we take hundreds of calls a week like this. But, when the pastor put this guy on the phone, I was embarrassed he began to ask if I remembered him.
I never forget a face or a person. I love everyone I meet and God gives me that gift. I remember the guy that pumped my car with gas when I was 16. But, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't remember. He told me, "Mr. Hendrix, I am no longer a drug dealer, my wife is no longer a prostitute, my baby is 4 years old."
I could feel the blood leave my face. This pastor was the homeless teen I had met with his wife and baby near the airport several years ago. We both cried again. he had changed his life. He began working at a shelter and put his wife back into school. She was working as a real estate agent.
I thought of how many times we pass people on the street or pass someone by when the spirit is telling us to reach out. I am so thankful God uses us. Never let your worldly fears answer for the spirit. If it is moving you to help, trust the spirit and open the door.
Rick Hendrix
http://www.rickhendrix.com
Author: RickBHendrix
| Author's Website: http://www.rickhendrix.com
Written: 12/01/2006
| 
Category: Leave No Stone Unturned
Comments: 45
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What a wonderful story to share with us. Every once in a while God does something really special fo let us know that He is working in our lives. It is so marvelous to be used by the Creator of the universe.
peace & grace,
preacherp
I am so inspired by this story. I have had moments like this in the grocery store when I saw somebody trying to put together a meal and checking their money to see if they had enough.
How wonderful.Thanks for sharing this with us.
Rick
oh what a precious testimony.i am so glad God uses us in these circumstances.
Rick,
This is what it's all about.
I've been homeless before, too. More than once. And I've been a staff minister and houseparent in a homeless shelter. Later, I felt helpless as my son, now 23, was homeless in New Orleans while I was up here in Iowa, unable to do anything but pray.
Here in Iowa, I don't see too many homeless people anymore, but my heart is with the homeless, the street people, alcoholics, and those in prison (my parents were both ex-cons, so I have a burden for prison ministry, too.)
At the end of the day, who cares who the Fan Favorite Baritone is, when we haven't done our jobs with widows, orphans, and those in prison.
I pray that we all may follow the Lord's leading in these areas. In Jesus name.
Chris J. Becker
Cedar Rapids, IA
thank you so much for your testimony [we have a lot in common] you are a great encourager and friend so glad i found you and your company a few years ago after some bad experiences with some other's in the biz' it is a priviedge to be 'on board with you and your team jo-el curtis
Rick, what an amazing testimony of God's love and care working through one of His children. We are His hands, His feet, and His mouthpiece in this world. It's never about what we can or cannot do, but what He can do through us if we allow His Spirit to guide our steps. Thank you Rick for being available to let Him work through you.
Great article Rick. Just a touch on what Christmas & Christian giving is all about. Blessings on you and yours this Christmas.
Very inspiring, thanks for sharing!
What an absolutely incredible story! It's amazing what God has planned for our lives. It took amazing strength to step out of that car with faith and to befriend and help that family! So many times people seem to take for granted the things they have in this world! At a time like Christmas when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, one whose love knows no boundaries, we are fortunate that you share your stories with us as a reminder of the ways we can help and be a Christian! Thank you so much for always sharing your messages!
Wow Rick....I got goosebumps as I read that! I still have them! What an amazing story! It reminds me of what an awe inspiring gift it is, when God uses you in someone's life like that! Those people will never forget you for being willing to let God use you as His vessel! Can you imagine? I hope and pray that someday I am in a place financially to just...give! As it is right now....I know how important it is to give what you have. Give time...give love...give hugs...give friendship....give understanding...give forgiveness....give God's peace....give Jesus! I think we (Christians) sometimes forget that God has no boundaries....He can use us in any situation! Thanks so much for sharing your story! It was absolutely beautiful and right now....I feel very blessed that you call me friend!
God bless you Rick!
You are so right Maleah! Gifts of our time,heart and compassion are sometimes more plentiful than money.I pray Gods blessing on you.
Rick
great testimony rick as to grace and mercy of the LORD and the witness you have [we have a lot in common] it.s great to be with yoy and your team PTL!!!!!! jo-el curtis
Hi Rick,
Oh thats precious- Thanks for sharing that with us.
BTW we missed you last month
Rick
Rick
Rick,
Oh, Rick, what an awesome story! God really used you that day to turn around the lives of 3 people! God bless you for allowing Him to use you. That is just awesome!
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
Wow! Rick what an awesome story and a reminder that when we think we have been forsaken or that God has forgotten our name that there are still others who are putting everything that is with in them in His hands.
Rick
Hey Rick,
Rick, thank you for reaching out to this family and WOW what a change that GOD made in their lives. You have allowed HIM to use you for many people on the personal side and the ministry side. THANK YOU for being a willing vessel for HIM to work through. I am glad to call you my friend!
Oh my GOD what a story. I am all teary eyed. I see a new glimmer of hope for some that I know who use drugs. PRAISE GOD!
You're a precious spirit, Rick. It's no wonder why God is blessing you like He is. You reap what you sow, and what you do in secret will be rewarded openly. May you and yours have the best Christ-filled Christmas ever! You're always in my prayers.
Wow. A Christian.
Jeanne
WOW A Christian. Thats not surprising. it is Christian media.
A: We all need to feel safe.
Help us, Lord, to remember the important things
I am glad a positive story is out. I really enjoyed it.
Angry at what, Sue?
I didnt understand/Wow! A Christian.
"Wow. A Christian."
Oh-ok-Sorry
Jeanne
Small acts of compassion benefit everyone, I would say. You shouldn't do good for other people purely in the hope that they'll do good things for you in return, but ultimately both you and others probably end up feeling better for having realised that kindness is valued and acts of compassion are carried out. At the moment, the world seems very 'me-focused', if you know what I mean and I think people don't always realise how unselfishness can be its own reward. Politeness too of course - I'm also a great believer in holding doors for people!Especially woman
i dont think mr hendrix was doing good to benefit himself
No,that was not my intentions at all. I was just making a point in general. I truly respect Rick and his decisions and willingness to be of service to the Kingdom.I am a newbie. Sorry.
When we fulfill Jesus' call as described in Luke 4:18-19, then the world will know the God is in us. Thanks Rick.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit
- Galatians 5:25.
Rick,
God is awesome beloved brother.
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