Happy Thanksgiving

Last Tuesday night was our annual Thanksgiving feast for our downtown friends. The place was packed. I can only estimate that we served about 185 meals based on the number of plates used. We counted 70 volunteers who were kind enough to bring covered dishes to add to the turkey and dressing. Even though there were tons of people to feed, there was tons of food. We all were very thankful for God’s grace and the fellowship of friends. It truly is a time to count our blessings whether we are on the street or just visiting downtown once a week. Thanks to everyone that made it a great success. ~Marc

Homeless Eric

So many things happened last Tuesday night. We had 18 volunteers and served 85 plates of food. So many of the volunteers are not just showing up but are conducting their own ministry. One volunteer had purchased $100 of wool socks for the homeless. Every homeless person that came in, he would say “let me see your socks” and then to their delight they would receive brand new pair of socks. Keeping your feet dry and warm on the street is very difficult. Some came in with coats that they distributed to those who were in need. Some of the homeless requested blankets which we had an ample supply to meet that need. One volunteer rewarded the kitchen help by ordering Papa Johns pizza for them to eat while cleaning up and washing the dishes. It was yummy. I could not resist.

One of our long time friends, Eric, showed up last Tuesday. Although, he has been coming off and on each Tuesday since Paul started 5 years ago, we had not seen him for two or three weeks. I have always liked Eric. He is always happy and smiling regardless of his circumstances. He even told me that he and another friend were “flying a sign” (panhandling) and he was advised to stop looking so happy and waving at everyone. His friend told him that homeless people should look sad but that is not Eric. I could use a little of his disposition. Check out the following video where Eric talks about Food for Life Ministries. He told me that taking a Toastmasters class helped him to give this speech without any preparation.



After we cleaned up, Paul set the alarm to Triune Mercy Center. Each of us left to give a couple of our friends a ride. Eric had placed his blanket next to the door while taking the trash to the dumpster. When he retrieved his blanket he heard the burglar alarm. We had barely got out of the parking lot when Eric ran across the street to tell us about the alarm. I called Paul and we met back at the building. We determined that there was a loose connection on the door and reset the alarm and then left again. We drove up the street when I saw a blue light behind us. It was the police. I was concerned because we were sitting on the floor of the catering van with no seat belts. Unfortunately, there are only two seats in the van and we had given those to the ladies. But it turned out that he was only concerned about the status of the alarm and did not ticket us for not using a seat or a seat belt. We were very grateful.
~Marc

Hard Times

This picture is me and one of my homeless friends. We get together each week and share how difficult our week has been and he always wins. Most would think it could not get any worse on the street, but it has. Another friend, Wayne, was really discouraged this week. He is homeless but looks decent and does work. But unfortunately he can’t make enough to get any type of housing. But lately, he told us that it was getting worse on the street. The day labor has not been available as in the past and he has even had a hard time selling his plasma for money. It is hard to make an honest living on the street.

A couple of weeks ago, someone gave Wayne a really nice flashlight. The only problem was they did not give him the 6 C cell batteries to make it operate. When he showed up last Tuesday, he had accumulated 4 batteries during the week but still could not use the flash light. Paul went to the store to purchase the remaining two batteries. When you are sleeping outside a good flashlight is a must.

Paul finished the study of Romans this week. He started this book over 2 years ago and it has impacted the lives of many that have attended during this time. Last Tuesday, he covered the benediction in Romans in verses 16:25-27. In these verses the Apostle Paul is saying bye to everyone in a way that only the Apostle could. He emphasized that Christ is the only one who can establish us according to the gospel. The Apostle Paul starts and finishes Romans with Christ.

After most had left, many of the musicians stayed around and enjoyed a jam session. We are grateful for their participation each week
~Marc.

Yes We Can

I don't recommend any political party just because I use that slogan, but I do think it can be used to reflect Paul's determination to serve the homeless and poor in Greenville. When he started this ministry many thought he could not keep pace by serving every Tuesday night for any extended period of time. Especially, since the ministry is not afflilated with any organization to provide the necessary funds. But five years later, Food for Life Ministries is still going strong. God has blessed us by providing the donations just at the right time.

Also, we have been blessed for the last five years with volunteers that have faithfully served along side Paul and provided not only funds but also provided the many necessities for the homeless. One such volunteer started two weeks ago and got so excited that he and his wife spent all day Saturday purchasing items to distribute to the homeless. This last Tuesday, we had a blankets, clothes, and shoes for every person that attended.

I thought this is the first time that we were able to meet every need until a older homeless lady showed up with a special need. She asked for $3.00 to purchase adhesive for her false teeth. She definitely needed it. We gave her the money and she kissed Tony and I on the forehead. I asked Tony if he was going to tell his wife that he was kissed by a homeless woman. He said probably not. You never know what to expect each Tuesday.

Last Tuesday we served 85 hot meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. We are fortunate to have so many individuals from different organization such as GE, colleges, and various churches in Greenville. Food for Life has always served and been served by so many people from different backgrounds. For that we are thankful every Tuesday night.
~Marc