Regulars

Even though he is a large man, most would not know he was in the room because of his quiet nature. He usually comes in and heads for the back of the room and stays mostly to himself. But tonight he seemed a little agitated. I know him by name because he has been around since the start of Paul’s ministry. Usually he will acknowledge me by a few words and go about his business of getting some food. I remember years ago, I asked him if he believed in God and his response was “only a fool wouldn’t”. However, further discussions at that time revealed that he didn’t believe in the deity of Christ.

He walked up to me and placed a little book in the palm of my hand. The title was “Love”. I flipped through the pages and it appeared to be poems. On the inside cover I noticed there was a list of names he had written. I asked him about the names and he said the first one below his was his sister whom he has not seen for 22 years. The second one was his brother. I couldn’t read his shaky hand writing so asked him his brother’s name. He told me and then asked if he had spelled it correctly. Before I could ask about the other name he abruptly went in the room where Paul was preaching. I learned later that he caused a few problems although none that Paul could not handle. It was like he was a different person tonight.

One of our other regulars proudly showed me a letter from a local college that accepted him for the fall semester. As I looked at the letter I wondered about the address since he changes addresses often. He told us how the college had arranged for a loan from the Department of Education to be repaid later when he gets a job. He hoped to receive an Associates Degree as a paralegal. Later as we gave him a ride to a friend’s house, he said that most of the homeless spend too much time listening to their thoughts like “you will always be homeless” or “you will never get a job”, but he says he ignores those thoughts and just keeps on trying. He still has hope for the future.

Tonight, we served 92 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. It seems we are getting more people as the temperature rises. A cool auditorium for a few hours is better than hanging out on the street in the sweltering heat.
~Marc

Housing Problems

I watched him limp toward the bridge late Tuesday night. He was fighting the pain as he leaned heavily on a homemade walking stick. The stick was really a substitute for a crutch but did not seem to give much relief. I looked at the under side of the bridge and marveled at the size of the huge concrete pillars. I had driven across this bridge many times but did not fully realize how huge it really was. His home was under the bridge along with many others. It looked as if it could house a small city. Cool in the summer but probably not very warm in the winter. But it was some place to get out of the rain and stay dry. He had waited a long time to arrange his ride from Triune Mercy Center.

Paul had been talking to a homeless lady who was very depressed. She is pregnant and to make matters worse, her fiancée had hit her that day. She felt like giving up because no one seems to care. She said she tries to work so she can pool her money with his so they can get a room each night. That can be difficult because some times she works 12 hours but only gets paid for 3 hours. Many of the homeless are taken advantage of as day labors. She is determined to keep her boy when it is born but knows to do this she must have a permanent place to live. Right now that looks unlikely. Paul kept asking her how he can help but she just shakes her head. He offers to put her in a room tonight but she thinks there are others who need help too. Paul assures her that he can help only one person at a time and right now he wants to help her.

There are all kinds of stories and difficult situations on the street. Although we try to meet many of the physical needs, we are convinced that the best thing we can do is present the gospel and pray for all their needs. Nothing is impossible with God.
~Marc

Give and Take

The homeless have feelings too. Last Tuesday night one of the homeless shared with us that his best buddy died. Through his tears he related how they stuck together by sharing a “bunker” (sleeping quarters) and if the truth be known, also a bottle. I could tell that he had a touch of the same stuff when he came in. We talked and Paul shared with him that this should be a wake up call. The same thing could happen to him. Therefore, he should be ready. But I couldn’t see in his eyes any connection with him and the fate of his long lost buddy. He seemed oblivious to the obvious that Paul was trying to impress upon him. I think he just wanted some sympathy from someone who cared about him. But to change his life style, he was not ready for that.

Some of the homeless panhandle each Tuesday night among the volunteers. One finally was noticed by the pastor of the church and was banned for three months from entering the premises. She told one of the volunteers that she has to use parenting skills as much as skills learned in seminary to deal with the homeless. We certainly can relate with that.

One thing I have learned with dealing with the homeless is that many want to help. Of course, they can not come into the kitchen and start cooking (some have tried). That area is strictly for volunteers. However, they are welcome to help clean up which is a necessary job that most of the volunteers shy away from. So many times I try to use anyone that offers to help. It helps me and I thinks gives them a sense of accomplishment even if it is just sweeping the floor or taking out the trash. Most of these individuals never ask for anything other than to help out. Why not allow them to contribute each Tuesday night.

So we see each Tuesday some that give and others who take. The homeless are no different from the rest of society. I think that is why we can’t stereotype the homeless as lazy or alcoholics, even though some are, because we can see the same characteristics in our families, friends, and coworkers. The homeless are just people. They are all different. But one thing they have in common is a need for redemption from sin. Of course, that is why we go down each Tuesday night to share the good news for us and them.
~Marc