San Francisco, the most densely populated city outside of New York has many people to witness to everyday. The Lord allowed me to preach in San Francisco on ten different occasions, some of those days were an all day venture. Fisherman's Wharf, The Powell & Market area, (where the cable cars turnaround is located), are among the many places to go. 4th & Market proved to be a very good place to preach to thousands of pedestrians as they pass by.

The weather was excellent here and it allows for many opportunities to witness. I often hear that street preaching is impersonal and that relational or friendship evangelism is a superior method. I want to share with you the people who I saw here this trip that in the past I have developed a relationship with because of the street preaching; Caesar, Tom, Les Union Square Security, William, Freddie, Jesse, Kevin, Harold, Margaret, Michael, Jerry, Fredrick, Officer Dalburg, and old friend, Dennis Hitchcock.

Obama Protesters Hear The Gospel
Unbeknownst to us President Obama was in SF the day we were preaching downtown. There was a group of protesters that came by with a police escort. Ironically they were very quiet as they passed us so I continued to preach. There was visible favor from several of the officers as they stood for several minutes at that corner. There were patty wagons, motorcycles, and police cars all ascending on the corner. As the group passed by it was if the Lord caused them to be quiet. The other people passing by were quiet as well, almost an erry feeling. It was amazing as hundreds at one time heard the Gospel. After they turned the corner and left us you could hear the roar of them shouting out and chanting there agenda again.

Halloween in Livermore, California
Dan, Seth, Walter, and I witnessed in Livermore this Halloween. Dan had about 75 chick Halloween tracts. We prayed and went into downtown Livermore. The highlight was talking to about a dozen or so youth from their late teens to early twenties. Hannah was the most engaged in our conversations and although she had many questions she is not born again. She professes a faith though. There was also A.J. a Hindu who we shared with but could not get past the many roads lead to Rome theory. We prayed for these as well as the others.

Testimonies & Prayer Requests
Chris (Scrap) It was Thursday on 4th and Market and thousands must have heard the Gospel that day as I was there preaching for two hours. I noticed at the pinnacle of sharing Jesus on the cross several men stopped and came up close and listened. There is something about the cross. A young man named Scrap also came up and asked about a Church. So I told him to come this Sunday to Calvary Road. I didn't have one invitation card on me but I drew him a map. He came that following Sunday and received a Bible. Pastor Eric talked with him at length and Chris is not saved. We prayed for him but I have not seen him since.

I prayed for a man who stood 5 feet away and listened to me for at least 45 minutes. His name was Ernie and he was in bad shape physically and mentally and spiritually. I prayed for him to have deliverance and he was crying. He was very thankful and I visited with him at the end as well. He confessed of always backsliding.

On a Friday night we went to the Fisherman's Wharf. The highlight of the evening is that Dave from SOS Ministries talked to a couple who were inquiring about the Lord. He gave them a Bible. Also there was a man, Steve, who I don't think was saved going to Afghanistan we prayed for him. There were two drunks that need our prayers as well.

After many hours evangelizing on the embarcadero. I did have a divine appointment with Robert, a man on methadone, that is a believer. I was sharing about the sermon on the mount, about mourning. Robert said he was mourning over his sin. I prayed and encouraged him. I gave him a New Testament. Praise God! MORE PHOTOS

Evangelism Trip - September 2011
San Francisco never fails to have people most everywhere. It's concentration of people is due to the fact that San Franacisco is about seven miles square. Although its population is around 800,000 it is estimated that over 2.5 people can be in the city at any given time. Besides the working force, tourism plays a large roll in this.

Lots of people make it a great place to preach. Having moderate weather all year round is another plus in evangelism here. I was here for a week this time and I went out preaching everyday except for travel days. Like other cities the response is indifferent and apathitic. I had a few good encounters and one very trying experience with a man who just wanted to argue. He persistance got under my skin and I ended up leaving that day, but not before preaching for around two hours. Most preachers like hecklers and thrive off of the opposition in order to draw bystanders into the speaking arena. I understand why they do it and everyone has their own style. I prefer to ignore all of the hostile people and keep preaching the message.

Walk On Preacher
After having a good share of experience out here in the streets, I have found it unwise to give the microphone over to a stranger. There has been too many situations that I have regretted. There are times when that policy is not followed and this particular day was one of them.

Ramone, a young Christian of about a year old in the faith was walking by and heard me preaching. He stopped and talked to the other fellows I was with and he started handing out tracts.Eventually Eric Martinez encouraged Ramone to take up the mic and preach. Ramone had mentioned his desire to become a pastro and preacher on the street. Besides the normal apprehendsion he was concerned about his english. Ramone, 21 years old, is from the Philipines. He did a wonderful job and his english was very good. Eventually we all left after praying and would hope to see Ramone continue in evangelism. He lives and goes to church in San Francisco.

United Nations Plaza

Fossil Fuel Protest Parade Passes by UN Plaza During Outreach
Click to Enlarge!

The Castro - San Francisco, California

This last week I had opportunity to witness the Gospel in one of the largest strongholds of the enemy in our country today. It is San Francisco’s Castro District. It is Friday night and several of us brothers, most from SOS Ministries, head for the Castro. Our strategy is different here than in other parts of the city. We focus on tracts and having one-to-one conversations.
 
Fear and depression set in as we drive across the Bay Bridge into the city. Spiritual warfare comes in many forms and tonight, like all the other times coming to the Castro I think; I just don’t want to be here. This occupies my mind as we are taken to our “drop zone” – Gay Village, the hub of Castro between 17th and Market Streets. Jumping out of the car is slower than it use to be for me. I’m getting older. I am old enough to remember “straight” meant you didn’t smoke pot. For those who don’t remember, below is a bio on the Castro.
 
Brief Castro History
The gay Mecca, San Francisco, still leads US cities in having the highest percentage of homosexuals per capita of people. It is over the 15 percent mark. The Castro is one of America’s first and best-known gay neighborhoods, and it is currently it’s largest.
 
Having transformed from a working-class neighborhood through the 60’s and 70’s; the Castro remains a symbol and source of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activism and events. Twin Peaks, the first gay bar in the city, and possibly the United States, is located at the intersection of Market and Castro.
 
The Castro came of age as a gay center following the Summer of Love in the neighboring Haight-Ashbury district in 1967. The gathering brought tens of thousands of middle-class youth from all over the United States. The neighborhood, previously known as Eureka Valley, became known as The Castro, after the landmark theatre by that name near the corner of Castro and Market Streets.
 
No Briefs Tonight
Tonight we see the first wave of nakedness before a nude protest tomorrow over the laws concerning being naked in the city. There is an ordinance that requires the wiping off of seats etc. if you sit on them naked,which is legal bye the way. The protest will be by those against the ordinance. So tonight there are a few men walking around naked. If that isn’t bizarre enough for you, there is the seemingly harmless “Little Mermaid” sing along at the theatre. As patrons came out it was a clear similarity to the Rocky Horror Picture Show of the eighties, but in all fairness not as extreme.
 
Vigil For Violence
After arriving Pastor Eric Martinez and I went across from the theatre and came upon a small group having a prayer vigil for those victims of a string of killings in Washington DC. It seems that the gender confused people were being targeted. I struck up a conversation with a homosexual man from India. I asked him if he knew why there were so many violent acts done by mankind. He nodded no and I began to share about Adam, man’s sin, the judgment to come, and Jesus Christ and the resurrection from the dead. He politely listened and he took a tract. It is apparent that many homosexual foreigners find refuge here.

Today’s Christianity
A young man named “Crash” assured me that he was a Christian after I shared a brief Gospel presentation with him. That was right before he asked me if I knew of someone who wanted to buy some hashish. I asked him pointed questions in regard to this, and shared from the Word. He saw no conflict with smoking drugs. As he talked, it was apparent that he had no real understanding of what it is to be saved or who the real Jesus Christ is. I witnessed as much as he could take in and then prayed for him and we parted ways.
 
Does Anyone Care?
Eric and I also encountered a young woman whose claims of paganism, witchcraft, and abuse growing up seemed a little hard to believe. We listened patiently as she shared her disappointment in Christ and how her friends on the street were more supportive than the Church. She indicated that no one cared. She seemed very content to go to hell. After awhile she softened a little and took a tract. Eric did the lion’s share of the speaking, assuring her that Jesus cares, before she meandered down the street. Eric pointed out that sometimes people just want to be heard and by listening we fulfill a need. Regardless of what is really going on with her, she needs to be saved. May God have mercy on her and all who are out here tonight.
 
Reminiscing of Times Past
Mike who works at the San Francisco Rescue Mission and comes out evangelizing with us showed up tonight. We started wondering if anyone comes out here on a regular basis anymore. A couple of years ago during the California measure known as prop 8, the gay marriage issue, there were many Christians thatwent into the Castro to pray and witness on a regular basis. At one point they suffered much persecution and had to be escorted out of the area by police when a small riot had broken out. This made national newsat the time. Mike was a part of that group. Adam the leader, a former homosexual himself, had reported that a breakthrough seemed to be made after having to endure the assault of the homosexuals and the infamous group, the sisters of perpetual indulgence. They were throwing ashes of a dead warlock on them amongst other things.

To our knowledge no prayer group or organized effort to preach the Gospel in the Castro is being undertaken at this time. Is God calling you to come to San Francisco? You may find yourself on Castro street. Here is a link to a very fitting song for this occasion: “Everpresent” by Paul & Noreen Coca. Click Here to Listen to Song

San Francisco– April 7th through April 18th 2011

Mission District – Frequented this area of SF twice this trip. The first time was with SOS on my first Friday night here. We went to 16th & Mission St. Not a lot to report except while I was preaching a man walking across the street with a coffee table, yes that’s right, a coffee table, plunked it down right in front of the speaker so there was feedback so much I had to stop. Some of our group had eggs thrown on them. He and the others that were with him left shortly afterwards; I guess they were part of an anarchy group that was meeting in the area.

I met up with Caesar, a pastor with a Spanish congregation in the Mission District. I had met him about 3 years ago. We met at 24th & Mission Thursday afternoon. Caesar is bilingual and preached in Spanish while I preached in English. Another elderly woman came out to pass out tracts with us.

Japantown – This was the first time we went to this area. It was the Cherry blossom festival and there were lots of people. Kylan arranged this outreach as he is preparing to go toJapan as a missionary this summer. Besides English, Kylan speaks Japanese and German. Of course stranger than fiction, Kylan spoke German to a gal fromNorway in Japantown. There were many Chinese people there too. I spoke briefly to a Russian man who didn’t know English. I know a very limited amount of Russian, enough to start a conversation, but not enough to finish. I also forgot to bring Russian tracts, uhm… I did however hand out a few Japanese tracts.

Now that I gave the world report I would mention that it was a great time of outreach and fellowship. Amanda and “her crew” came down from Modesto Calvary and they were able to witness to many of the Harold Camping group who are the ones who say judgment day is going to be May 21st. They were out in groves conflicting with us somewhat. Dave, a member of SOS ministry was able to share the Gospel one-on-one with many people as he always does. Larry Rosenbaum and Dan handed out tracts. Jeromy, Larry R. and myself preached for a total of about two hours before the police came and we called it a day.

Highlight of the Week – I was able to preach inSan Francisco all but one day I was there. One particular day I was onMarket Street, which is the main drag through the middle of the city, and there were two young men who passed by and stopped to briefly listen. They nodded and went up the street. At first I thought they were Christians and stopped to give the ok after they heard what I was preaching. Shortly afterwards they came back by and I made eye contact again. They stopped in the crosswalk and returned to talk with me. They both had many questions about Jesus and the Bible. One of them said he was being drawn to the message of Jesus. I had quite an opportunity to witness further and gave them both a Gospel of John.It can be so hectic down on the streets. I forgot their names and didn’t write them down. The Lord knows though and I have prayed for them several times since.

Overall it was a great trip. I was able to teach the lesson on the first Sunday I was there at Calvary Road Christian Fellowship. Eric, the pastor, is a friend of mine who also goes out witnessing and preaching inSan Francisco. We went to the Fisherman’s Wharf both Sundays after Church. This is a great place to evangelize. It is like going around the world and never leaving the city. There are many tourists and always lots of people. Thanks for all your prayers and support. Well worth the trip! God bless you.

The picture to the right is from a previous outreach at Fisherman’s Wharf, however you can see how many people go there on a weekend.

San Francisco - Nov 19, 2010

I don’t know where to begin. The three weeks that I have spent here in the Bay Area have been very exciting. I am in no way running ragged, although it has been an action-packed time here to say the least. I have been out preaching most everyday in the city of San Francisco. During the week I venture downtown and on the weekends I go out with SOS Ministries. I have seen many old friends with lots of fellowship. Upon arriving the atmosphere in the city was ecstatic; The Giants had just won the world series and the elections proved good for the liberal political climate here.

People & Places
There are many walks of life in downtown San Francisco; Business people, tourists, the passersby, & the homeless – This being the variety of America’s citizens. San Francisco has several things going for it relating to evangelism. The weather is mild all year round, there are always plenty of people, you can virtually reach people from all around the world, and the city has a great need. I went preaching in many parts of the city. First there is the heart of downtown San Francisco, which includes Powell & Market Streets; this is where a major cable car turnaround is located and a shopping mall. The Financial District is most famous for banking & stocks, Montgomery Street being the main vein. The Embarcadero which runs the length of the waterfront from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Ferry Building has many spots to preach from. Fisherman’s Wharf is the most benign area of the city and where most of the tourists are. Social and political issues intensify in other parts of the city such as the Castro, the notorious homosexual district. The Mission district, primarily residential, has many Latinos and Spanish literature is beneficial here. Check out a map outlining the different districts of SF by Clicking Here

Highlighted Stories
In the Castro people are always asking if the Jesus we preach is gay friendly which brings up many conversations. I had this one with a Jewish man who was very secular at best concerning any faith. He initially was hostile but came back by and started talking with me and Kylan (Kylan is with SOS). I shared about how the Lord delivered me from heroin which in the end he admitted that if Jesus did that for me, then that was ok. I think the best witness was not our words, but rather how we acted. He was looking for an argument conceived from hatred and we didn’t give him one. Overall a very good encounter with him, his name is Dennis. Pray for Dennis, especially since he said not to.

I happened to see an old acquaintance of mine while I was preaching at Powell & Market. His name is Caesar who has a Spanish ministry in the Mission district. I asked him if they were still going out on Thursday afternoons. They were and so I joined them out there the following Thursday. Once everyone arrived, we prayed and the sisters started handing out tracts, both Spanish and English. I started out preaching and turned it over to Caesar as he preached in Spanish. There were many people on the streets today and it went very well. I had not been in the Mission district for quite sometime. If you would like to read what happened the last time I was there, and why I didn’t return Click Here

After preaching on the Wharf one Sunday afternoon, a gentleman came up and was very excited has he explained that he was standing across the street listening to me for a long while. He was a believer and he said that he thought people were really listening and encouraged us mightily to keep up the work. Lately I have found that going in depth on the death and resurrection of Christ really peaks people’s interest.

Most of my personal encounters with people this time here were with Christians that came up and talked with me. Part of the ministry is hopefully inspiring them to be a witness for Christ and for them to see that the Gospel does have free course in a city like San Francisco.

Fellowship
As expected I was able to visit with many friends I have here in the Bay Area. I have been staying at the SOS Ministry house and was able to have my own room. This satisfied a real need since I spend a lot of hours in preparation before I go out preaching. We had some good fellowship, singing, and prayer meetings at the house. I was treated to dinner by many people at restaurants and in their homes. I attended Calvary Road Christian Fellowship in San Francisco, one of the Churches that grew out of the old Calvary Chapel of SF. It was a great pleasure to spend time there and I am privileged to bring the teaching this Sunday, November 21st.

Well, many people heard the Gospel these past few weeks, how awesome the Lord is. I will be back in Sacramento on Monday, November 22nd, the week of Thanksgiving. I will soon be posting the Autumn newsletter that will share my traveling for the Lord over the last several months. Thanks for all your prayers & support. I don’t think I can say it too often and that is: I couldn’t do it without you folks. May the Lord bless you!