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
