Count Them

Last night we were blessed to have East North Street Baptist Church members volunteering downtown. They worked very diligently serving food and cleaning up. Many spent time with the homeless witnessing. Some of the homeless responded that they were Christians and of course everyone in Greenville are Christians. Others were more honest and wanted more explanation of Christianity such the doctrine of the Trinity which is conversation that requires some preparation. It is surprising that many of the homeless read the Bible and know it better than Christians but they just have not accepted Christ as their personal Savior.

We had 4 individuals visiting last night but they were not volunteers. They actually worked for the Census Bureau and they were there to count the homeless. Each had a clip board and they were counting while everyone was eating. Not sure why it took 4 people to count and I am not sure who they were counting. Probably half of the people that come downtown are not homeless. They are poor and live in homes but they come to get a good meal. They would be counted at their home. So are we double counting?
~Marc

A Family

He used to come on a regular basis but lately it is only been now and then. I always recognize him from a distance by his infectious smile, even though, he is constantly searching the room like he is looking for someone. I guess on the street there are certain individuals that you want to avoid and others you want to find, especially if they have done you wrong. But I like to see him because he makes me smile and feel like neither of us have any problems.

He is white and his lady friend is black and they live in a tent. In the South at one time this kind of relationship would have been impossible even on the street. Fortunately now, those days have passed and most could care less. He once told me that he had given up on his relatives many years ago and the only one that might even talk to him was a sister. Once I tried to encourage him to contact her but he sighed and said it was too late. Even when his lady friend left him a few years ago, he would not consider contacting anyone. He has a family now and a place to live and just can not revisit the past.

We see many every week that have experienced pain and seek a new life on the street. In this economy there are those loosing their jobs and homes and could very well end up on the street. All of us are vulnerable and should be thankful to give a helping hand because one day we may need one too.

There was a large crowd tonight. When everyone lined up to eat, I counted 85 people but by the end of the night we had served over 100 hot meals. Thanks to all the volunteers who find joy in serving the homeless each week.
~Marc

Good Night?

Nothing unusual happened last night, which is good, everyone was orderly and if fact seemed to appreciate the food and the cold tea. The numbers started out real slow but by the time we served the meal there were over 85 people. If you count the volunteers eating and the plates to go, we served 110 meals.

My job last night was to keep the hall clear between the room where Paul was preaching and the kitchen. Many times individuals congregate in the hall and end up making so much noise that it competes with the preaching. So a little policing was in order. During this time I could hear Paul preaching inside and the volunteers in the kitchen singing hymns while they work. Everyone was having church.

One homeless individual was in rare form this week. He would be a nice guy if he would lose the booze. He spent his time trying volunteer in the kitchen and if you tried to talk to him he ended up crying. It seems that he just has to keep moving so he can forget his situation. At 50 years old, he probably realized a long time ago that his situation seems to be hopeless living under a bridge. Paul spent a lot of time with him but he doesn’t listen well. He just wants to keep moving.

Clean up went well because we had a lot of help. Many of the volunteers were regulars so they knew what to do. Usually there are a lot of questions but not tonight. There were a few people from GE and a good showing from The Evangelical Institute. We are grateful for all of volunteers who allow Paul to minister to the homeless each week.
~Marc

Shampoo and Locked Doors

This week a group of 9th graders from North Hills Community Church came down to volunteer. They did all the normal things that first time volunteers do like take pictures, work in the kitchen, serve food, and give out shampoo and conditioner. Well… most don’t give away shampoo and conditioner but everyone appreciated the gift. I wondered if any of the homeless would go in the bathroom and try some out. Tonight with their assistance, we served 70 meals.

What would be a minor for us can be a major for a homeless person. Case in point is a locked door, especially if behind that locked door is a sleeping bag owned by a homeless person. Many times the homeless will hide their valuables when they come in to eat so their stuff doesn’t get stolen. Tonight, this individual decided to use the room where the ice machine is located. Unfortunately, one of the volunteers decided to shut that door during the service not realizing that it would lock. The end result was a very upset homeless person. So what do you do? Naturally, I asked another homeless if he could “jimmy the lock” and within few seconds we were in the room. You do what you gotta do.

It is always great to see someone decide to leave the street. Tonight we helped Eric by purchasing a bus ticket to Ohio to live with relatives. Many homeless don’t have any family that is willing to help them for various reasons so the only assistance can be some type of program that may help temporarily but is never permanent. The real ticket to getting off the street permanently will depend on family who cares enough to give them another chance. Eric had an Uncle and an Aunt who loved him enough to give him that chance.
~Marc

Snow Day

Last Tuesday was a snow day. We were advised that the Salvation Army was opening their doors to all the homeless in the area to sleep over. Since they were also providing a meal, we decided to cancel Tuesday night at Triune Mercy Center. Hope everyone was safe and warm Tuesday night and we see everyone next week.
~Marc