Many decades ago, my parents, Fred and Willie Jordan, looked into the eyes of hungry, forgotten people on the streets of Los Angeles and did something beautifully simple:

They gave them Jesus.

"Bread n' Butter" was a simple, loving message they shared with friends like you, and today I want you to feel the same heartbeat of that love extended.

Every day, men, women, and children came to the Mission doors.

1. Pray the window of heaven opens

Prayer is not just a formality; it is the frontline of this Mission. Scripture assures us that "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much," reminding us that our prayers truly move the heart and hand of God.

Meet Greg, who used to sleep on concrete and eat whatever he could find. Now, he stands as living proof of change. People prayed for him-the broken, the addicted, the forgotten—long before they even knew his name.

When we think about the companies we rely on every day, we often trust household names—brands like Kellogg's, Ford, Delta Airlines, and Baker's Chocolates. These companies have stood the test of time for over 80 years. Their longevity gives us confidence and reassurance when eating breakfast, driving a car, booking a flight, or indulging in a sweet treat. We trust them, not only because of their reputation, but because they have proven themselves reliable across generations.

While many gather with family around festive tables, countless men, women, and children face a harsh reality. They have no home, no warm meal, no gift under a tree. Instead, they live surrounded by pain-FREE crack pipes, FREE fresh needles, even FREE EpiPens nailed to lampposts to save those who overdose. Can you imagine such heartbreak?

A woman, laboring in childbirth, lay crying out in agony. Her baby was crowning, but clutched in her hands was not a lifeline; it was a crack pipe. She was an addict, lost somewhere along life's dark path. Her partner lay beside her, unmoved, also chasing the next high. Though Team Jesus surrounded her with love and help, both she and her partner rejected it.

Within the hour, her screams fell silent.

Why help those who have lost their way – those suffering in the darkest places of addiction, homelessness, and despair?

If people are overdosing right at the doorstep of Fred Jordan Missions, aren't they beyond hope?

This heart-wrenching question of “What’s the point?” was posed to me directly, and my answer was a simple yet powerful truth: Jesus is the point.

For over 80 years, Fred Jordan Missions has faithfully stood as a beacon of hope, called to feed, clothe, and share the life-changing love of Jesus with those the world has forgotten.

We have seen several deaths from overdoses within feet of our front door, and nothing prepares you for seeing a lifeless body put into a body bag and carried away.

David, our Outreach Pastor, and one of our interns were recently handing out food to the homeless when a commotion erupted across the street. Immediately, they ran toward the commotion and saw some homeless rifling through bags and clothing.

A man was lying motionless on the ground. It was Miguel. He was a regular at the Mission but lay unconscious, foaming at the mouth with a needle still lodged in his arm.

I come to you today with a heavy yet hopeful heart, asking you to join me to uplift and help those who live in the shadows of hardship, hurt, and despair.

Fred Jordan Missions stands as a beacon of light amidst the darkness, a sanctuary where the marginalized find solace, the suffering find relief, and those who are forgotten find remembrance.

When it comes to giving, we have seen a pattern emerge where a humble few bear the weight of the work while many stand on the sidelines.

Today, I stood at the corner of Fred Jordan Missions on 5th Street and Towne Avenue and was transported back to my childhood—holding my father’s hand and walking these streets with my mother, Willie.

As I gazed up at the towering buildings that stand as silent witnesses to the heart-wrenching scenes below, my heart was stirred by the stark contrast between these streets 50 years ago and how drastically they have changed over the last two to three years.

I am reaching out to you today with a profound and urgent call for support.

I want to introduce you to David Ramirez, a man with a heart full of compassion for those we serve on the streets of Skid Row and beyond. I first met David when he was 16 years old and volunteered as a drummer at one of our events in the Coachella Valley. Even then, his servant’s heart was evident. Now, more than 20 years later, he has spent his life dedicated to helping men, women, and children who have experienced homelessness—whether temporarily or in dire circumstances.

As we come together to pray for those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, it is painfully clear that immediate help, support, and action are needed NOW. These people are our neighbors, colleagues, relatives, and families whose lives have been forever changed. Their homes have been destroyed, their communities have been disrupted, and their futures are uncertain.

As we navigate the bustling streets of Los Angeles, the brokenness of our world is painfully evident. Mothers and children seeking refuge in tattered tents and cardboard shelters remind us of the heartbreaking realities faced by so many.

In a nation overflowing with wealth, these scenes are a stark reminder of the challenges endured by our neighbors in need.