Met ex- professional boxer

Ate lunch at the Senior Center. Met ex-professional boxer, Julian Maldonado having lunch. He's getting baptized at First Baptist next Sunday. He's going through some real tough times involving his marriage.

Ran into Henry Whitney and he asked me to go alongside Julian to mentor him. Will talk to him on Sunday to see what I can do.

Summary of whats taking place here in Idaho Springs, CO

Here's a summary of whats going on:

My bible study now has 3 people attending. The study is on Mondays at 6pm at Bill's apt located right downtown in one of the old commercial buildings. Joe and Corie also attend. Last Mondays study concerned the topic of Angels. However, we digressed quite a bit which turned out to be the best thing ever.

We basically talked about God is doing in our lives and other spiritual aspects of life. It was far-ranging indeed! We talked all night until about 11 pm.

Joe is a HVAC engineer so he went over to the house I'm staying at and fixed the furnace. He took me the next day to Starbucks to grab a coffee and then went to the hardware store. he introduced me to Al Moshe who owns a gold mine outside town, Al has lots of stories from the days of the Cold War when he was engaged in espionage for the US Govt. Quite a character! I will be interviewing him for the newspaper back home.

I am working with Glenda Watson, who owns the The Frothy Cup the coffee shop I hang out at. She is developing a ministry involving walking dogs so that senior citizens and the handicap can pet them for therapuetic purposes. Also, working with Glenda to organize a book club which will meet in her shop.

Glenda told me that I am the talk of the town because of my unique mission. Sounds encouraging!

Went over to the Senior Citizen Center located in the 1860s Queens Hotel and ate a free lunch provided for oldsters like myself. Will check into volunteering for them too.

I will be speaking at Pastor Bill Robertsons home group tonight at his home. Then will be speaking later possibly next week in front of his church.

I met with Pastor Robertson yesterday morning at the 2 Brothers Deli. Discussed the meaning of the Gospel. Also discussed the issue of legalism. He wondered if I am promoting that all Christians need to sell their possessions and travel town to town proclaiming the Good News. He was rightly concerned that I may be in danger of promoting a "works" type mission. I reassured him that I am doing this ministry out of love for Christ and in obedience to the Great Commission not in an effort to gain favor or salvation. Pastor Robertson gave me some great advice. And, I appreciated his concern.

Met Julian Maldonado who used to be a professional boxer. He used to fight on HBO and ESPN sponsored events. Years of boxing has detrimentally affected his health and body. Saw Julian at First Baptist last Sunday. He is being baptized there this Sunday.

I met with Pastor Dawit from First Baptist a few days ago at the Deli where he bought lunch. We discussed my role in his church and theology for over 4 hours. He's an amazing man! Has several degrees from denver Seminary and Cornell. He was invited to attend Princeton School of Theology but instead took this pastorate at First Baptist. Pastor Dawit is from Ethiopia. He has a wife, one young son and another child on the way.

Will be headed over to Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry tomorrow at 10am to work.

Day 12- Idaho Springs

Attended church at First Baptist this morning. Took communion. Sermon was entitled The God Rush. Pastor Dawit compared the Gold Rush of 1859 in Idaho Springs with the God Rush of 2015. God's truth can be compared to gold.

What can we do as a body to create a God rush?

Joined in the potluck. Food and fellowship was great! Talked to Bill Innis. He agreed to attend my Monday nite bible study. Spoke with Jennifer. She's the town clerk for Georgetown just up the road- my next town on my itinerary.

Agreed with Dawit to meet tomorrow at the coffee shop at 1pm to discuss my role in his church.

Discipled Johnny this afternoon. He's a fascinating man to be sure!

Glenda, the owner of the coffee gave me a free cookie, it was huge! She and I discussed Jesus and spirituality in general. Met Amy Sue who works at the coffee shop.

Working on my writing assignments and preparing for tomorrow's bible study.

Preparing supper. Hot dogs and scrambled eggs.

Pics show Bill Innis who is recovering from being literally run over and dragged for 150' by a semi-trailer on I-70 near Floyd Hill. Lost 60% of his blood volume. Had many surgeries with 5 more scheduled soon. Please pray for him.

Other pics are of the potluck at church today.

Day 11- Idaho Springs, CO

Spent the day with Johnny a 61 year old local homeless man. Glenda Watson the owner of "The Frothy Cup" a coffee shop presented us with free muffins and clothes for Johnny. Glenda presented me with a hardback writing journal as a gift along with some free food samples.

She and her husband, Randy, are very giving believers who practice what they preach. I plan on interviewing them for my weekly newspaper column back home.

Johnny and I after spending the day discussing life at the coffee shop walked the 1.5 miles east to McDonalds and had a late lunch early supper.

It hasn't been easy to get to know Johnny. He's very shy and reticent. He has obvious mental issues as well as alcoholism. 

He may be a fugitive from the law as well just by some of the comments he has made.

My first bible study is scheduled this coming Monday at 630pm at the 2 Brother's Deli. I'm hoping for 3 people to attend.

Its been 11 days in Idaho Springs, well actually 8 as I worked for the tree service for 3 days.

I'm still low on cash. Down to my last $12. Oh well, the apostles said they went hungry and were homeless. Why should I be any different???

Last posting should read, " Spent" not sentenced! Dang auto correct!

Day 280- Back in Idaho Springs

Sentenced last Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday down the hill in Littleton mainly working for Nelson Tree Service. Pastor Josh, Emily and Sierra drove me back to Idaho Springs this morning. Missed work at Loaves and Fishes!

Water leaked for hours on the first floor of the circa 1872 2 story house which I'm staying at on Colorado Blvd. No damage to my stuff!

Josh and Emily went exploring through the house.

Last Sunday I spoke to the First Baptist Church before Pastor Dawits sermon. I was well received. Met a lot of new people afterward during potluck. A lady name Jessica was baptized. Met Bill Innis the master plumber who got the heating and plumbing fixed at my place on CO Blvd.

He told me of his story about walking along the shoulder in I-70 around Floyd Hill when he was struck by a semi-tractor trailer  and dragged 150 feet. He broke his legs and lost 60% of his blood volume. But, now he can walk with the help of a cane.

Spoke at the United Center Church last Sunday night and watched a movie.

Spoke to a group of 10 people last Wednesday night at Pastor Bill Robertson's home. He is starting a new church. I am invited back next Wednesday as well to give my testimony.

My time has been very productive so far!

Pic below is of one of the storefronts downtown Idaho Springs, CO.

Day 272- Day 2- In Idaho Springs, CO

Fitful night sleeping in the unheated house on Colorado Blvd but it was 30 degrees inside when it was - 8 outside. So, I'm thankful!

Hiked to Mickie D's at 5am. Too cold to keep sleeping. It's 2 miles from my house. Then went to the coffee shop.

At 10am hiked out of town to Loaves and Fishes to volunteer next week. Interviewed by staffer Peter Kahn. "Kahn!" Says Capt Kirk. The Wrath of Kahn!

Anyway, a lady waiting for food told me her dad was born in Peoria after she heard I trekked from Peoria. Small world. Peter Kahn lived in Tazewell County....Virginia. Told him I was from Tazewell County, IL!

Peter is a non observant Jew from Brooklyn and lived on Long Island too. Told him I spent a few months in Oyster Bay, Jericho, Muttontown and Great Neck all Jewish enclaves. He was amazed I knew these towns.

Divorced twice then married a third time but after 25 years his wife died of lung cancer. He began to tear up. Left all behind and found his way to Idaho Springs!

Dale Plummer wanted to know if I wanted a ride back in town. Told him I like hiking here. Somehow, started talking about the Lord. Oh yeah, its because I told him I am an itinerant missionary to the US.

He told me he's a Jehovah's Witness. So we talked religion. It was fun.

Got some more people to meet and miles to go before I sleep. Robt Frost said that. Well not the part about people to meet.

Second pic is Dale. Next to last pic is Peter Khan.