We wanted to share with you the special Easter service we had in Derby Park this past Sunday. We’ve been praying for the Lord to touch our homeless friends in a special way and I think this past Sunday He brought us a powerful message. The lesson was on John 13:1‐14.
Even after reading the passage and sharing on what Jesus had done, when I explained that we wanted to wash their feet, our street friend’s reaction was sort of like Peter’s, only maybe a little suspicious as to why we would want to do that. I explained it didn’t have anything to do with physical cleanliness but with service and submission to one another, that it was an act of love for them.
Then, one of them asked something I hadn’t expected ‐ would I let them wash me feet too? I said I’d be honored to have one of them wash my feet and then the smiles and cheers broke out and everybody said they’d let us wash their feet. Funny, how that seemed to make it all right. I felt so honored because, you know, none of the disciples offered to wash Jesus’ feet, but our street friends wanted to wash mine.
So, here’s a few pictures. Wish you could have been there. It was a really special, intimate moment among friends of Jesus. Our angel/interns Annika, Alisha, and Kasey had the wonderful idea to give our friends towels with verses printed on them, and they helped out in carrying water and towels. We are so
thankful for their help.
Edson washing Antonio Ferreira’s feet with Alisha bringing water.
Getting ready to wash Saulo’s feet. (Luis Carlos Moura was a big help with the water.)
Joana and her brother in law taking it all in.
Little Pedro (Mango Joe’s son) washing my feet.
What an honor!
Addison reading the verse on his towel while Adilson was getting his feet washed. Tavares was a little
overwhelmed by the moment.
Edson, Kasey, and Annika serving breakfast sandwiches.
At the end we reflected on and sang together one of my favorite songs “Alvo Mais que a Neve” (Whiter
than the snow). Lyrics below.
“Whiter than snow”
Blessed be the Lamb who suffered on the cross for us.
Blessed be His blood poured out for sinners like us.
Washed in this blood, with clothes so shining white
Sinners redeemed, stand this day before their Lord.
Chorus:
Whiter than snow! Whiter than snow!
Yes, in this blood, whiter than snow I will be!
How thorny was the crown that Jesus bore for us.
Oh, how deep the wounds that prove how much he loved us.
In those wounds is a purity for the most perverse sinner,
For whiter than the snow Your blood makes us, Lord.
If we confess You and walk in Your light,
You not only forgive us, You purify us as well, oh Jesus;
Yes, and from all sin, oh what a wonder this love!
For whiter than the snow Your blood makes us, Lord.
Whiter than snow! Whiter than snow!
Yes, in this blood, whiter than snow I will be!
Pray with us that we may one day see all our friends from Derby gathered together to celebrate an even more auspicous moment, robed in white, before their Lord along with sinners like you and I to praise the Lamb who gave His life for us and made us all whiter than snow.
