Physical Needs

Many people we serve each Tuesday night are some of the poorest in Greenville. This couple is an example of those that come for something to eat and occasionally receive help with their personal needs. This week this lady explained that she had surgery and could not pay for her medications. Her husband does work as a tanner but as anyone might imagine has very little work in this field. Food for Life provided the medications she needed and the following week gave them some assistance with their utility bills.

Another concern was for someone who required transportation to the Emergency Room to enter detox. This is the only detoxification center available at night. When an individual decides to make that step, we try to provide the transportation to meet that need. Thanks to Danny, one our volunteers, for his concern and driving him to the hospital after we finished last Tuesday night.

Unfortunately, many of the problems we see can not be easily fixed with food and a ride to the hospital. Last Tuesday, a couple came in with a baby. One of our volunteers questioned them about their housing arrangements. They explained that they were living with a relative. However, another homeless man told us later that they were actually living in a large concrete pipe under a bridge. Naturally this caused great concern because a child was involved. Since we didn’t know for sure, one of our volunteers, Anthony, contacted a friend who was a policeman to check out this area to see if this couple was there with the child. Anthony stated he would not be able sleep at night without knowing that the child was safe.

We are thankful for all that serve each Tuesday night. With the help of 18 volunteers, we served over 100 hot meals. Also, Paul continued his study of Romans. We can not always meet every physical need but we can freely give spiritual food to everyone which is food for the soul for eternity.
~Marc

Sequence of Events

Most wonder what happens at a Homeless Ministry; so this week I thought I would give the sequence of events for each Tuesday night.

The volunteers arrive about 7:00pm. They park in the back of Triune Mercy Center and walk up the sidewalk and enter at the side of the building. Our services are conducted in what would be the fellowship hall for the church next to the kitchen. Many of the homeless come in as soon as the doors are opened. We prepare ice water for them to drink while we prepare the food. Paul usually coordinates with the kitchen on the time the food will be ready because the meal is served at the conclusion of the services. Each week we have music and Paul continues with the study of Romans. Everyone usually attends the services except for those who are preparing the meal in the kitchen. The following two short video clips will give you an idea how the services are conducted. The music video is a little dark because we had the lights off to read the overhead screen. At the conclusion, everyone gets in line for the serving of the meal.
The Music

The Preaching


Last Tuesday, we served 65 individual meals and prepared an additional 25 take outs. We had 18 volunteers of which 10 worked in the kitchen and the remaining spent their time talking and counseling the homeless during and after the meal. Later, all of the volunteers and some of the homeless help clean up before we leave. Also, during this time Paul and other volunteers are evaluating many of the homeless needs. Some one usually goes to the store to purchase various items for distribution. Last Tuesday we distributed blankets and a pair of shoes for a gentleman who was in flip flops.

We usually finish about 9:30pm. We encourage anyone who would like to volunteer to just show up each Tuesday night.
~Marc

Hug the Homeless

When you hug a homeless person, you can expect to smell like a homeless person. We don't normally hug people because most would not appreciate that kind of attention. But last Tuesday it was necessary and appreciated by one individual who was distraught. He had apparently over dosed on drugs the previous week and was revived at the hospital. It scared him and the way he dealt with that was by drinking. Tuesday night he showed up intoxicated and constantly talking about his brush with death. Anthony and I talked with him and put our arms around him and prayed that God would save him and protect him on the street. He cried and hugged us back as we ministered to him. On the way home, I had to roll down the windows because of the smell. It made me think about him and all the others who come down town. I wondered where they had been during the week and where they would sleep each night. Even the next day, I could still remember that smell which reminded me to pray for all of our friends downtown who have no hope.

Last Tuesday we are grateful for 14 volunteers who were willing to take time out of their busy schedule to serve 65 hot meals to the less fortunate in Greenville. I will never take them for granted.
~Marc

Good Music and Food

Every week many show up tired and hungry. Some have not slept during the night but have spent their time walking in order to keep from being noticed. Others find a "cat hole" but don't sleep very soundly because there is always the risk of assault or someone stealing their possessions. So it is no wonder that many are not very friendly and are short tempered. But one thing that seems to soothe their nerves and take the focus off of their problems is music. Last Tuesday night we had a group that sang Praise and Worship music to the delight of everyone. I saw many, that usually can be a problem, tapping their feet or clapping their hands and it was all to the Glory of God. We are truly blessed when different groups show up to provide music before Paul teaches. There is usually less distractions because their moods seem to change. Just like every Tuesday night, we do not have a predetermined program to follow. We just allow God to send those we need.

Another event happened before our Tuesday night ministry that Paul had to address. It seems that our long time friend Eric was seen "flying a sign" in Greenville for money. Even though he made $50 in one hour (according to him), Paul assured him that his behavior was contrary to his professed Christian beliefs. Also, he could receive a nuisance charge by the local authorities for panhandling which could result in a fine and/or time in the jail. In addition, we all impressed upon him to earn money the old fashion way; a job. Eric seemed to take the advise very well. Later, we gave Eric a ride across town where he knew someone who would let him spend the night.

We served 100 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. We had a very large crowd and ran out of food. Paul made a trip to Church's Fried Chicken to provide food for the remaining folks. It is very difficult to plan the quantity of food not knowing what kind of turn out we will have each week. But in the last five years, I don't think we have had to send out for food more than 3 or 4 times. We usaually have what we need to meet others needs.
~Marc