The Mean Streets

Life on the street can be dangerous, especially if you are sound asleep in your “cat hole” and someone attacks you. That is what happened to Chris. He said that someone who had just been released from jail woke him up in the middle of the night and told him to get out. Now Chris did not take this lying down but there were consequences. The man who roused him from a deep sleep was about 250 pounds and Chris is tall with about half the weight. But Chris knows how to take care of himself. A fight was necessary to retain his place to sleep that night. Last Tuesday, Chris asked us for some Advil for the pain and antibiotic medication cream for his back. He was banged up pretty bad and told us he is tired. He is tired of living this kind of life. He comes downtown to Food for Life for inspiration and prayer. Also, he is fighting an addiction that controls his life. But this is exactly the people we are looking for. These are the down and out and those individuals who are tired and searching for a way out. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). We provide the answer each week for those who are hurting and desperately need a change in their life.

This week we served 75 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. As is the past, the GE workers were serving in the kitchen and passing our clothes that they had accumulated at work. Also, there are many volunteers like Dan whose purpose is to reach people on an individual level. They are Paul’s support so that we can reach as many people as possible. We are especially grateful for their ministry support.
~Marc

Late-Comer

Every week walking into FFL proves to be a new experience. Today I was running late, so I came after things had picked up momentum. I have a new responsibility every night. Tonight i walked and was promptly handed gloves and around 15 bags of bananas to unbag. As i donned the metaphorical 'what can i tackle next' apron, i was presented with chopping the ham to put in grits. I progressed through these tasks and the worship started in the next room. As Atsen played through the songs, we shredded and demolished our way through the ham with the extremely dull chef knives procured from the left-hand drawer of the stainless steel island.

After the message, we brought the food out to the serving line. The food tonight was superb: grits 'n ham, chicken celery rice, brownie bites, cheese bread, peach cobbler, and of course the fruit of the week: bananas. My favorite job at FFL is serving food; that way i get to at least communitcate with each person individually. I have come to know people both by name and by habitual food preferences. For instance, Three Helpings customarily declined the banana, as did Chicken Hawk (as he referred to himself a couple weeks back upon receiving a fourth helping of chicken wings). But Jolly Man accepted his fruit-of-the-day with a wide smile and a 'thank you very much young lady!'

I love serving these people. I love listening to their bantering when they pass my food item of the night. I love to tease them for not eating enough fruit or vegetables. These people are such a joy to serve and I hope that I may continue in this ministry for a long time to come!
~Leslie (Guest Blogger)

Locked Out

One of the difficulties we face on Tuesday nights is locked doors. It is not because Triune Mercy Center does not provide keys, but that the key holder may not attend that night. Usually it is the room that has the ice machine that is locked. When this happens we make a trip to the local Hardees across the street and beg for some ice. Since we brew tea, it is essential that we have ice to serve the tea cold. But last Tuesday, it was the kitchen that was locked. Now that is a problem. Here we were with about 40 homeless and 14 volunteers staring at the locked door. All telephone calls for help resulted only in voice mail. So naturally we turned to some skills by some of the homeless for help. With the help of a credit card and a small knife, we had the door open within minutes. I did not feel too comfortable doing that but it was essential for our ministry. Proclaiming Gospel is the center piece of our ministry, but the meals are the means to accomplish that.

We celebrated this Holy Week by reading through the Gospel of John describing the death, burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We reflected on the implication of those events for our lives today. Because He lives, we can also live too. Lee Headly was kind enough to lead us through the reading of theses powerful scriptures.

After serving 67 meals with the assistance of 14 volunteers, we had a drawing for sleeping bags. I was pleased to see one of the homeless who had asked for a blanket win a sleeping bag. The above picture is one who was fortunate enough to receive one. Even though it is spring, some of the nights are very cold and there are still needs for blankets and sleeping bags. We always welcome any who donate these items for our friends downtown.

Happy Easter.

~Marc