Last week on Tuesday, I was talking with a volunteer that has not been downtown in a couple of years. That thing that really surprised him was the change in the demographices of the poor and homeless. Now the group is much younger which includes women (some even pregnant). He commented that when he was volunteering a few years ago that most of the homeless were middle age men. They consistently showed up every week and for the most part listened attentively to the preaching and were calm while eating their food. Now some become angry easily when being served regardless how patient the volunteers are. Usually they want specific food or two plates instead of one and can not understand why they can’t get what they want. We try to set some rules to make sure everyone gets something to eat. It is a different group to some degree and some are definitely not happy.
As I write this observation, I wonder how I would act if I was in their circumstances. I probably would be worse. We all expect things to go right for us and when they don’t we look for someone to blame. However, if the truth be known, we are responsible for many things that happen to us and it is hard to accept responsibility. So what is the answer? The same as it has always been. We need to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. That is what fuels us to go down every Tuesday and fellowship with the poor and homeless regardless of their behavior.
Last week we served 100 meals with the assistance of 24 volunteers.
~Marc
