This Is What I Need

I noticed Richard sitting there, looking as if he was deep in thought about something heavy. As I got to know him, he shared his struggles with me: his divorce six months ago, his difficult relationship with his mother, who he lives with on and off, his time living on the streets, and the constant voices in his head calling him names and telling him to commit crimes. He calls them horrifying.

He saw a Harvest Crusade sticker at a bus stop and knew he needed to be here at the crusade to seek God for a clear mind and to fellowship with the Christian community. He visits Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside sometimes, where he enjoys Pastor Greg’s messages. We talk about the importance of attending church on a regular basis, and the importance of joining a Bible study, where he can grow friendships and make accountability partners.

“Yes, I want that. I need that,” he says.

He recalls when he gave his life to Jesus 18 years ago and how far he’s strayed from that point. “When I was 19, God gave me a reason to believe that life was good and worth living. But I became influenced by family who partied and I started slacking in my responsibilities at home and hurt my mom with my behavior.”

At Pastor Greg’s invitation, he intends to recommit his life to the Lord and get back on the right track.

That is what SoCal Harvest is all about!