The Have & Have Not's

When we arrived last Tuesday there was a crowd of first time volunteers in the parking lot and an equal number of homeless at the side door waiting to get in out of the heat. I could not help to think that it appears that the volunteers are trying to keep their distance from the homeless. It is like the "the have" and "the have not's". I understand how they feel. When Paul started his ministry over 7 years ago, I felt very uncomfortable around the less fortunate. I didn't know if they would be violent or obnoxious, so I kept by distance. But over the years I have found that you are more likely to have a problem with some volunteers than the homeless. Most of them are grateful for what we provide and would not jeopardize that by acting up.

We did have a good group in the parking lot that eagerly attacked the responsibilities for preparing and serving the food. Without this group it would be impossible for other volunteers to devote their time ministering to the homeless. We had a first-time group from the Summitt Church in Greenville and a good representation from GE. As always, we can depend on a core group of faithful volunteers who come each week to specifically minister to the homeless. They spend the entire time talking, praying, and sharing the Gospel. They understand that this is our mission for coming to Triune Mercy Center each Tuesday night. This group was included in the 28 volunteers that ministered and served 110 folks last Tuesday. This is the largest crowd of homeless and volunteers we have had in a long time.
~Marc

Temptation Has a Name

When we left the house it was raining cats and dogs. It was one of those summer thunder storms that most of the homeless hate because they can not get out of the rain. Who wants a homeless person coming into their retail establishment just to avoid rain? I prayed that it would stop until we got to Triune Mercy Center so I could get the door open for everyone.

It did stop raining and when we arrived most everyone was sitting on the brick ledge at the side of the building smoking or congregating around the door. I used the combination lock to open the door and you would not believe how fast some of these guys can move. It was like they were waiting all day for this to happen. As they poured into the cool auditorium, I noticed them taking chairs down off the tables and placing the plastic forks on the table for the meal. It seemed that they just wanted to do some thing to be productive by performing these small tasks. Most of these always try to assist us; the others usually don’t show up until the end of the preaching so they can get their meal. I quickly went into the kitchen and prepared a container of ice water to quench their thirst. Also, the tea would be prepared now, but would be served later with the meal.

I went to the back of the room to talk to some of the homeless before the preaching. One individual who spoke to me wanted some money. Most usually ask for $1.50 to $2.00 for bus fare. Some times I wonder if maybe it is for a can of beer. Many that have had the same request, I could smell beer on their breath. I always suspect some of their stories are not true, but I do feel sorry for them and give in some times. Tonight though, I told him I did not have any money. He suggested I ask around for him which I promptly declined. I was not in the mood for panhandling for someone else.

I talked to another couple of obvious friends. They told me they were Christians and had to stick together because there is so much temptation on the street. I thought to myself that there is too much temptation every where. They kept talking about the Pharaoh and how he keeps talking to them, but they have been ignoring him. One said to the other “do you remember when the Pharaoh showed up on the Haney Street”. The other responded, “yes, but I told him he was wasting his time”. It was obvious that the Pharaoh is the one they fight against every day. It seems to be helpful to identify this tempter with a personal name so they can tell him “to get lost”. I told them that I did not expect the Pharaoh to show up tonight and they both agreed. Paul continued preaching on the book of James which has a lot to say about temptation. If you are a Christian, temptation can make you stronger but if you are not, it will just “tick you off”.

We continue to have about the same number of folks each Tuesday. We served 67 meals with 12 volunteers. We finished about 8:30 pm and as I was leaving, I saw Paul following a couple with a baby to the gas station. They needed fuel for their car so he could continue looking for a job on Wednesday. You don’t have to be homeless to be in need. You can just be an innocent child with parents who have no means of support.
~Marc

Providing Shelter

Last Tuesday night we served 65 hot meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. We had many of our regulars including another good turn out from General Electric.

Paul continued his study of James and later we provided assistance to some ladies that were on the street. We provided a room for one lady who was going Shepard's Gate the following day. Another volunteer on Wednesday, provided transportation for a husband and wife to United Ministries in Spartanburg where shelter was available.

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We always are concerned for anyone on the street but especially for women. Unfortunately, there are not as many short-term shelters for them as there are for the men.

~Marc

Serving Volunteers

Last Tuesday Jerry, who is one of our volunteers, preached for Paul. He and his wife were celebrating their anniversary that night but were happy to minister to our friends downtown on this special occasion. He continued the study of James and accurately presented the Gospel for all in attendance. “Thanks Jerry” for filling in for Paul and for your faithfulness each Tuesday night. We are grateful for volunteers who not only serve but also minister to the needy each Tuesday night.

We continue to have many different folks who come each Tuesday night to serve. This Tuesday we had the Greenville Derby Dames show up to volunteer. They are a women’s Roller Derby team who raise money for charities. These gals had no trouble mingling with the homeless who at time can be rough around the edges. If you are interested in seeing them in action check out the video below.

Our numbers were down some this Tuesday. We served 77 meals with the assistance of 24 volunteers. One of our volunteers provided the dessert which was muffins and water melon. Hmmm Good.
~Marc