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“and through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.
(Acts ch5 v 12)
Solomon’s Porch
During our first few weeks working on the streets of Salisbury, the Lord gave us the scripture from Acts Ch 5 vs 12-16. We don’t know what Solomon’s Porch looked like in the time of Jesus, but how fantastic to be able to meet with people who need Jesus under the Poultry Cross, now thought of as Solomon’s Porch. It has indeed been a place where many people have been touched by his love, peace, and healing.
Bob cries out to God
One day in late October, when arriving at the Porch, we found a man whom we will refer to as Bob (not his real name) sleeping on the bench. The weather that day was abominable it was pouring down with rain, the wind was blowing a gale and it was freezing cold.
As we began to unpack the various hot foods, Bob woke up, having asked if he would like something to eat and drink, he began to shake and shiver, with the cold, he told us he was sleeping rough, we offered him a blanket and sleeping bag which he eagerly accepted, we also produced a warm jumper and a new pair of socks, he began to cry and said “how did you know” he pulled up one of his sodden trouser legs to reveal wet and very sore ankles and feet in shoes without socks. He was in such a state with the cold he couldn’t get his shoes off, Dave helped him off with his shoes wiped his feet and put the socks on his feet. He wept, he began to tell us of his situation, we asked if we could pray for him, which he responded with a very positive “yes” He stood up, and we prayed for him that God in his goodness and faithfulness would reach down and touch him, with his wonderful love and reveal Himself to him. We prayed for quite a while, and as we stopped, Bob himself started to pray out loud, there were people walking past, but he didn’t care, he told the Lord how he could feel Him close, and asked Him to come and help him sort his life out, by the time he had finished praying he was almost shouting out to God, tears streaming down his face, the presence of God was so strong, we just wept together. We spent some time with Bob chatting with him, giving him food to take with him. We haven’t seen Bob since, but know he was touched by our loving Heavenly Father, a Father whose heart is to pour out his love on us, and be part of our lives.
Power of God, changes lives
Many other people have been touched by the Lord, one lad had an abscess in his mouth, we prayed for him, we saw him the next day and the abscess had gone. We have prayed for many other people for their situations and problems. Quite a few people have come to church with us, and have been touched. One Sunday, a lad who came with us, was really amazed “this is powerful stuff” was his reaction, as he sat on the edge of his seat during the worship he started shaking and weeping as the Lord powerfully touched him, he asked the Lord to come into his life and change him, and help him live the right way and make the right decisions. The same lad a few weeks after said “I know the Lord has called me for a purpose and I want to get my life right,” A powerful statement from someone who has only been walking with the Lord for a few weeks.
“….Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out: When you see the naked, that you cover him…. (Isaiah ch.58 vs 6 & 7
Touching People’s lives
When we first started the Banquet Table on 30th September 2003, little did we know or were able to conceive what a difference it would make in people’s lives, some of the people who come on a regular basis have said it has been a life saver for them, they have commented on the quality, variety and quantity of food, and that leads them to ask “who are you? Why are you doing this?” the very concept of the Banquet Table has been a witness to the love of God for these people, and we believe that when they come for food, they also experience a touch from the Lord.
As we have built up relationships with the many people living both on the streets, in hostels, and those with drug and alcohol related issues, we have been asked by them for further support, we have visited them in hospital, attended court with them, and supported them while they have gone through detox. at the local hospital We have felt very privileged to be counted as friends by some of the people who live on the streets, who usually trust no-one.
 In the first five months of the project we have fed 862 people. (see below for statistics) which is truly amazing. We remember the early days in October when we would maybe feed four or five people each day, over the months there have been days when we have fed up to 21 people, which has meant a
lot more time preparing and cooking food, but the Lord has been faithful in supplying all that we need, including a parking permit for free parking and a team of volunteers to help with the work on the streets.
In February we were asked to attend a conference in Salisbury organised by South Wiltshire Action for Poverty. The delegates are usually treated to a good lunch, but, it was felt that, this year due to the theme of the conference it would be good to do something a little unusual. We were asked to provide a lunch of soup and bread, for the 65 delegates, we were sworn to secrecy, as the organisers wanted lunch to be a surprise. It certainly was for the delegates, but it was all taken in good heart, and it certainly heightened the profile of Morning Star (Salisbury) as people ate their lunch they were able to browse at our display boards and learn how and what we provide for the Banquet Table and those people who are really in need.
Numbers of People being Fed
|
Month
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Male
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Female
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New People
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Totals
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Total so far
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|
October
|
101
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13
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35
|
114
|
114
|
|
November
|
113
|
18
|
23
|
131
|
245
|
|
December
|
168
|
10
|
16
|
178
|
423
|
|
January
|
216
|
23
|
18
|
239
|
662
|
|
February
|
179
|
21
|
20
|
200
|
862
|
|
Totals
|
777
|
85
|
112
|
862
|
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