We see many people each Tuesday night living on the edge. That edge represents either eating or not eating, finding some place to sleep or sleeping on the street, receiving health care when sick or slowly becoming susceptible to all kinds of diseases. But more importantly, many are living on the edge of eternity. We don’t know what happens too many who attend on Tuesday nights and then seem to disappear. Some probably move on to another location while others are picked up by the authorities for different crimes. We are aware of few who have died due to altercations on the street, but we know that they heard the Gospel before it was too late.
Last night I talked with one individual who had burses all over his face. He said he had an altercation with the police and he added that he probably deserved it. Also, he shared that he had lost everything including his family and was living on the street. I shared with him God’s grace through Jesus but he did not seem interested. He just wanted some food. Later he left the building and I saw him meet someone across the street that appeared to be trying to give him something in a brown paper bag. They walked up the street together. He is living on the edge.
Each week another homeless person has a meal, then spends the remaining time singing and playing a piano in the back of room. Most are familiar with him performing each week so normally he does not draw much attention. Before leaving, he shared with us that both of his parents were pastors. He said his mother could “preach up a storm” but his father was just plain mean. He did not have much respect for him. He admits that he is not a Christian but is always willing to listen to different volunteers who share the Gospel with him. But he left in unbelief. He is living on the edge.
During the meal, a few men got into an argument and starting calling each other names and making threats. When this happens, we immediately intervene and do what ever it takes to maintain some order. It gives us an opportunity to pray a lot as we step in to defuse the situation. I tried to change the subject and divert one individual from the others who had insulted him. I introduced him to another volunteer and explained that he had a wonderful talent carving walking sticks. His eyes lit up as he explained his carving technique. Even though he lives on the street, he desires to receive some respect as a human being and he is willing to fight for it. He is living on the edge.
At the end of the night, I was watching many of the young volunteers talking and praying with our street friends. Some are older children that come with their parents and others are students from different schools in the area. We had a group from the Beta Club at Wren High School, students from North Greenville University and the Evangelical Institute. It is so encouraging to see their desire to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. When I was their age, my concern was more about making money and climbing the ladder of success. Their concern gives me hope for our future generation. They were among the 28 volunteers who assisted the ministry to serve 76 meals to those who are living on the edge.
~Marc
Last night I talked with one individual who had burses all over his face. He said he had an altercation with the police and he added that he probably deserved it. Also, he shared that he had lost everything including his family and was living on the street. I shared with him God’s grace through Jesus but he did not seem interested. He just wanted some food. Later he left the building and I saw him meet someone across the street that appeared to be trying to give him something in a brown paper bag. They walked up the street together. He is living on the edge.
Each week another homeless person has a meal, then spends the remaining time singing and playing a piano in the back of room. Most are familiar with him performing each week so normally he does not draw much attention. Before leaving, he shared with us that both of his parents were pastors. He said his mother could “preach up a storm” but his father was just plain mean. He did not have much respect for him. He admits that he is not a Christian but is always willing to listen to different volunteers who share the Gospel with him. But he left in unbelief. He is living on the edge.
During the meal, a few men got into an argument and starting calling each other names and making threats. When this happens, we immediately intervene and do what ever it takes to maintain some order. It gives us an opportunity to pray a lot as we step in to defuse the situation. I tried to change the subject and divert one individual from the others who had insulted him. I introduced him to another volunteer and explained that he had a wonderful talent carving walking sticks. His eyes lit up as he explained his carving technique. Even though he lives on the street, he desires to receive some respect as a human being and he is willing to fight for it. He is living on the edge.
At the end of the night, I was watching many of the young volunteers talking and praying with our street friends. Some are older children that come with their parents and others are students from different schools in the area. We had a group from the Beta Club at Wren High School, students from North Greenville University and the Evangelical Institute. It is so encouraging to see their desire to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. When I was their age, my concern was more about making money and climbing the ladder of success. Their concern gives me hope for our future generation. They were among the 28 volunteers who assisted the ministry to serve 76 meals to those who are living on the edge.
~Marc
