Last Tuesday was very special for all of us. It was a time when we celebrated God’s gift by giving His Son for our redemption. That is the greatest gift of all. To celebrate that gift, Food for Life provided a gift for each homeless individual that can make a big difference in their lives on the street. Each one received a new back pack loaded with goodies like coupons for food, a blanket, toiletries, Bible, and snacks. Because of the generous financial support from many individuals, we were able to distribute 82 back packs and a hot meal for each individual. We are grateful for 32 volunteers who helped us make this a very special night for everyone.
So many things happened last Tuesday night. We had 18 volunteers and served 85 plates of food. So many of the volunteers are not just showing up but are conducting their own ministry. One volunteer had purchased $100 of wool socks for the homeless. Every homeless person that came in, he would say “let me see your socks” and then to their delight they would receive brand new pair of socks. Keeping your feet dry and warm on the street is very difficult. Some came in with coats that they distributed to those who were in need. Some of the homeless requested blankets which we had an ample supply to meet that need. One volunteer rewarded the kitchen help by ordering Papa Johns pizza for them to eat while cleaning up and washing the dishes. It was yummy. I could not resist.
One of our long time friends, Eric, showed up last Tuesday. Although, he has been coming off and on each Tuesday since Paul started 5 years ago, we had not seen him for two or three weeks. I have always liked Eric. He is always happy and smiling regardless of his circumstances. He even told me that he and another friend were “flying a sign” (panhandling) and he was advised to stop looking so happy and waving at everyone. His friend told him that homeless people should look sad but that is not Eric. I could use a little of his disposition. Check out the following video where Eric talks about Food for Life Ministries. He told me that taking a Toastmasters class helped him to give this speech without any preparation.
After we cleaned up, Paul set the alarm to Triune Mercy Center. Each of us left to give a couple of our friends a ride. Eric had placed his blanket next to the door while taking the trash to the dumpster. When he retrieved his blanket he heard the burglar alarm. We had barely got out of the parking lot when Eric ran across the street to tell us about the alarm. I called Paul and we met back at the building. We determined that there was a loose connection on the door and reset the alarm and then left again. We drove up the street when I saw a blue light behind us. It was the police. I was concerned because we were sitting on the floor of the catering van with no seat belts. Unfortunately, there are only two seats in the van and we had given those to the ladies. But it turned out that he was only concerned about the status of the alarm and did not ticket us for not using a seat or a seat belt. We were very grateful. ~Marc
Most wonder what happens at a Homeless Ministry; so this week I thought I would give the sequence of events for each Tuesday night.
The volunteers arrive about 7:00pm. They park in the back of Triune Mercy Center and walk up the sidewalk and enter at the side of the building. Our services are conducted in what would be the fellowship hall for the church next to the kitchen. Many of the homeless come in as soon as the doors are opened. We prepare ice water for them to drink while we prepare the food. Paul usually coordinates with the kitchen on the time the food will be ready because the meal is served at the conclusion of the services. Each week we have music and Paul continues with the study of Romans. Everyone usually attends the services except for those who are preparing the meal in the kitchen. The following two short video clips will give you an idea how the services are conducted. The music video is a little dark because we had the lights off to read the overhead screen. At the conclusion, everyone gets in line for the serving of the meal. The Music
The Preaching
Last Tuesday, we served 65 individual meals and prepared an additional 25 take outs. We had 18 volunteers of which 10 worked in the kitchen and the remaining spent their time talking and counseling the homeless during and after the meal. Later, all of the volunteers and some of the homeless help clean up before we leave. Also, during this time Paul and other volunteers are evaluating many of the homeless needs. Some one usually goes to the store to purchase various items for distribution. Last Tuesday we distributed blankets and a pair of shoes for a gentleman who was in flip flops.
We usually finish about 9:30pm. We encourage anyone who would like to volunteer to just show up each Tuesday night. ~Marc
I forget from week to week how needy our friends are downtown. I had not gotten out of my vehicle, when all of sudden there were many all lined up to talk to me. Even when I was talking with one person, another interrupted and took me aside before I could finish that conversation. It can be very competitive when there are a lot needs and only one person who could provide a possible solution.
One individual exclaimed that he was finally going to break free from the homeless life style. He had purchased a car and just needed some gas money to get to the other side of Greenville where he knew there was a dish washing job at a local restaurant. I don’t normally give anyone money, but there were others waiting, so I gave him a couple of dollars which seemed to satisfy him.
Another needed medicine. His story was that he was hit by someone with brass knuckles which cracked several teeth which had become abscessed. His employer, a traveling amusement company, had sent him to the hospital in Gaffney, SC, but then fired him without paying for the medication. We are not sure how he got to Greenville, but he was lying on the sidewalk in great pain when we arrived. Bonnie went to the pharmacy during the Bible study and purchased some antiseptic mouth rinse, antibiotics, and pain medication.
Chris was distraught because his girlfriend had just died. I actually knew who she was because she rented rooms to the homeless on a daily basis. We have made a number of trips to her house on Tuesday night. He showed me her driver’s license stating that this is the only thing he had left of their relationship. He just needed some sympathy and someone to talk with about his difficulty. He was not handling the situation very well and he stated he has been drinking heavily for the last couple of days. I listened to him and prayed to give him some encouragement. Later, I saw another volunteer also talking and praying with him as well.
Then there was Danny. He had a fractured leg and a definite limp when he walked. This is not good for a homeless person because they walk miles each day to get food, shelter, and other necessities of life. One of our volunteers helped him with a ride to his “cat hole” after the meal.
Finally, one individual wanted a large print King James Bible. That is a request that we definitely want to fulfill because even though we may help him temporarily, we know that God’s Word will make a permanent change in this life and eternity.
Thanks to everyone who donates to Food for Life so we can provide medicine and some physical comfort to those in need. Last Tuesday, with the assistance of 14 volunteers, we provided 80 hot meals.
Each Tuesday night, Andrea who is a regular, sings and plays the piano alone. Most are familiar with him so he normally does not get much attention. Tonight I thought I would video some his performance. Unfortunately, the lighting and the sound quality is not very good but he is very good. He has a beautiful voice.
The Bible tells us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord (Psalm 100). Singing is a way to show praise and gratitude for all God has done for us. David, aka "Know Body", (that is the name he insisted we use) has his own way of expressing that joyful noise.
We were all encouraged this week by answered prayers for the fragile lady that we had mentioned in two previous posts. On two separate occasions we tried to help her but at the last minute she rejected our help. She seemed to be influenced by her husband who kept her from making better choices. This week she came in sober and informed us that she was staying at the Salvation Army and was on the road to recovery. It seems that her husband was in jail which allowed her to seek physical and Spiritual help. Praise God.
Again this week we were blessed to have 44 volunteers of which 32 were from Word of Life Ministries in Simpsonville. It was so rewarding to see how friendly our volunteers were to all of our friends as they served 77 meals. Word of Life again provided bags of necessities for each person as they left at the end of the night. Many said that they were especially thankful for the clean socks in each packet. It is very difficult to keep your feet warm and dry on the street.
I gave one of my homeless friends a ride to where he sleeps under a bridge. He said he was so tired, he didn't feel like he could walk the 3 miles from Triune Mercy Center. Please continue to pray for him and others who are under the heavy bondage of sin and that God would supernaturally change their hearts and lives for His glory.
Each week we can make a joyful noise to the Lord for answered prayers and thankfulness for what God is doing in changing each of us as we minister to our homeless friends in Greenville.
