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
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
