Cornerup

I’m a little late on this, so let me start by apologizing for taking a couple of weeks to get this out there.

Now that that’s done…

Two Friday’s ago a group—large group—of like-minded Christians led by Blaise (Raccuglia) and Kyle (Hubbard) met on 6^th and Congress with one goal in mind. Evangelism.

First, I need to say that I was amazed how many people showed up. I would guess around 60-70 people total. We met at 6^th and Congress to go over the game plan for the night, and divide up into our groups. Each group had at least one singer, a guitarist and a cajon player. The goal of each group was to praise God, pray, dance, act a fool (in the best way), and be ready/willing to talk to/witness to anyone willing or interested. While we were together in one group, we all found out that a young woman named Merisha, had been called on mission from Germany to Austin, and she had spent the last year, or so witnessing to people in downtown Austin. I was taken aback just trying to comprehend that someone would think of Austin Texas as a place in need of mission. Living here, I guess is just never occurred to me that a missionary would be called here, as opposed to somewhere like say Haiti or South Africa. Then I remembered what Kerry Sheppard, who went with me, said about Austin. Austin is currently about 7% evangelized. SEVEN PERCENT?!?! Talk about jaw dropping. I was shocked to hear that a major city in the biggest Christian (professed) nation was only 7%. Knowing that, I am overjoyed that God spoke to someone in another country to come to Austin to bear witness for Him.

Earlier in the day on that Friday, I received a list from the guys that included what street intersection our group would be “Cornered Up” on. I did not realize that my name being listed next to the street meant I would be the prayer leader for the group. Probably a good thing I didn’t realize that until right before we split into groups, because I would’ve probably come up with an excuse to chicken out. In other words, I was NERVOUS! Those Nerves went away once I met the awesome group I was to be part of. Our group was assigned 6^th and Sabine, which meant we were the front line; the first wave. We were catch people on the way to the chaos that is 6^th street on a Friday night. Our group consisted of the vocal stylings of Nadine and Kathleen, with Jerry on guitar and Bryce on Cajon. Kerry and I were the assisting “singers”, and also talking to people who walked by. I can’t say enough about how awesome our praise team was! I mean when Ira (Robot) came by, Nadine and Kathleen made up a song for him on the fly. More on that later.

While we were on our corner singing and praising God, I noticed a guy who had passed by two or three times. I stopped him, introduced myself and found out he was walking around while waiting for his girlfriend to get off from work. He was an atheist, with no interest in being witnessed to, but he said he loved that we (all of the groups) were spreading some positivity in downtown. That conversation brightened my night. While we were doing our thing, Kerry stopped a homeless man named John. John was almost blind, walked with a limp and was not fully in his right mind. He talked with Kerry for a while, and kept talking about how hungry he was. After trying to get him to follow me to a nearby food truck, I headed there to buy a slice of pizza and water. Once I found him again, I gave him what I’d bought. He drank the water like it was a single drop, and took one bite of the pizza before throwing it away. Pizza was not something he wanted at that point. Undeterred, I continued to try to talk with him, and was joined by a member of the group at that intersection we listened to his story, and asked to pray for him. He was not having it though. We may not have gotten anywhere with John, but I have no doubt a seed was planted there. Now John knows that there people out there who care about him and see him as an equal, not as less than.

While I was talking with John, the before mentioned Ira (Robot) was talking to our group. Robot, as he initially introduced himself, started by asking us our thoughts on marijuana possibly being legalized in Texas. It was shortly after that that I headed off to find John and give him the water and food. Ira’s tune changed when the group mentioned Jesus and the tears flowed when Nadine and Kathleen started singing to him. Kerry said she’d never seen someone that drunk sober up so quickly. I don’t know what will happen with Ira and John, but I will not forget them, and continue to pray that they find the peace and joy they so deserve.

All of the groups headed to 8^th and San Jacinto to Granarly, a food truck run by some friends of Blaise and Kyle. The gourmet pancakes and tasty coffee hit the spot. I’m not sure what the sauce used for dipping the pancakes was, but I do know it was SO GOOD! Seriously, if you’re ever down around 1^st Street, stop by for some friendly conversation with some wonderful people, and some yummy food.

We met there to talk through the night and share stories of our encounters from the time on 6^th Street. Kerry and I had a good conversation with “Beans” Cory Heerlein, Gateway’s main drummer in our praise band, and shortly after met a homeless man named Roland. He blew us away with his knowledge of The Word, and his love of God. He referred to his Bible as his sword, and said to call him a demon slayer. We were awed by the thoughtful and deep questions he asked us about different stories from the Bible. We were out there to pour into others, but Roland poured into us.

Before heading home, we caught back up with our team’s musical portion, and talked about blowing bubbles. I don’t quite remember why we talked about blowing bubbles, but that prompted us bringing up our friend “Bubbles” (Bryan) who we explained as being one of the most bubbly and friendly people we know. We told the group he would be with us the next time we did this. No pressure Bryan. I caught up with Greg about his time in Mexico, and then we talked to Blaise and some others about when we would be doing this again. That is to be determined as of now. One thing that is certain though…we will definitely do this again.

I leave you with this…what we all saw that Friday night was just how beautifully God showed up, because we were willing to step out. I have learned in the last year or so that it’s not about being capable or ready; it’s about being available and willing. If you are these two simple things, God will make you capable and ready. If you are willing to step out of your comfort zone, you don’t need to know the next step to take. He’ll light the path He has for you. If you’re reading this and interested in being a part of this the next time we “Cornerup”, leave a note, or shoot me a message on social media (Facebook, Instagram).