Rainy Days

Last Tuesday it was pouring rain. I always feel so sorry for the homeless when they come in wet knowing that the best they can do is dry off inside. Unlike myself, who was wet, will go home later and take a hot shower and put on dry clothes. I am uncomfortable for a few hours while they are uncomfortable all night. Even later they will get wet again walking to the mission. Naturally, many did ask for a ride from the volunteers but the general rule is we don’t give rides. One commented to me as he left, everyone wants to be a friend inside but not friend enough to give him a ride to the mission. That comment made me feel bad considering the circumstances.

One of the homeless came in walking with a cane and taking tiny steps. He has been around for as long as I can remember. He has always been friendly even though he has been on the street for years. I saw him many times cry like a baby during the service, so bad that I would get him a tissue to keep his nose dripping on his clothes. I once visited him up the street. where he was sleeping next to a building. It was very cold that night and we had some blankets to pass out. Tonight he looked real bad. The nurse at Triune said he had taken his first dialysis today and he would probably not make it to the mission on his own. We decided to get a cab for him after he ate. As another homeless held an umbrella for him, he made his way to the cab. I thought to myself that the cab should be going to a nursing home instead of the mission. What will he do in the morning at 6:00am when they turn everyone out. Wherever he goes it won’t be an easy walk.

Tonight we served 120 meals with the assistance of 22 volunteers. Gordon, one of the volunteers, gave his testimony. Everyone said it was amazing what God has done in his life.