Medical Needs

I have mentioned many times about the various needs of the homeless. Some are life threatening and others are not. One of the individuals that assist them with their life threatening needs is a nurse that is assigned or loaned to Triune from St. Francis Hospital. I got to talk to her last Tuesday night.

She outlined her responsibilities for minor things like taking blood pressure to major things that revolve around medications that are necessary to maintain their health mostly for diabetics or high blood pressure. The homeless can go to the emergency room for a health assessment and get their prescription, but getting it filled is another thing. Since most don’t have the money they rely on her to help them cut through the red tape and get it filled.

Currently, the nurse told me that they have to go to one agency to be certified as homeless. This agency will issue a letter to that effect which they must be taken to another agency to get the prescription. That is a lot of walking or they need a bus pass to get from one place to another. After that is accomplished, then there is the challenge for them to keep up with the prescription and take it as directed. Since they don’t necessarily have a place to stay, it is not uncommon for them to lose it within day on street. Then there is the problem if they are incarcerated. Any kind of prescribed drugs are taken away from the homeless, so when they get out they have to start all over to receive the necessary prescriptions. Even though it is challenging for her, it is obvious she loves her job because she genuinely cares about the people she is helping each day. All of us at Food for Life salute her for her unselfish service and dedication to the most vulnerable in society.

This week most of the requested needs ranged from tooth ache medicine to a roll of toilet paper. Although not life threatening, I guess both requests are very important to that one individual.

We had a good crowd this week. We served 65 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers.
~Marc

It is Sad

It is sad to witness the condition of many who cannot resist the devastating effect of stimulants on their body and spirit. Also, it is sad when it not only affects them but also others. The purpose each Tuesday night is to share the gospel and love on others. But when someone can’t stand up and wants to stumble in while Paul is preaching, you know things could go very wrong.

That is what happened this week. When I saw him I knew there would be trouble. But I thought to myself, maybe not this time. But I should not have ignored the signs of trouble. I wasn’t in the room but I could see through the window. Everyone was standing up in the corner and two men were yelling at each other. Many immediately took control and ushered both from the room. Unfortunately, they continued their disagreement on the side walk. One hit the other and he fell in the street even though others were trying to break up the fight. I knew at that point that I had to call 911.

Two patrol cars showed up and everyone scattered. Some took off across the street and others that were helping to break up the fight went back into the building for the rest of the sermon. No one was arrested and everyone calmed down. It was a good outcome to a very tense situation. I guess many of the homeless experience this many times each week but we don’t deal with this very often. Most are very respectful and some even grateful for the food and fellowship. But our desire is to reach everyone so we can not turn some away just because there might be trouble.
~Marc

God's Invisible Attributes

It was hot last night and all of the homeless couldn't wait to get inside to feel the cool air conditioning. A large container of ice water was appreciated by everyone. Usually in this kind of weather we see hot tempers as well, but this week everyone seemed to be content to just "cool it". The weather continued to go from one extreme to another. A thunder storm moved in with heavy rain and lighting. I wondered if we would lose electricity before we could finish cooking the dinner. Fortunately that did not happen until everyone had finished eating. And by then the sun had come out and there was enough light for everyone to finish their meal. As everyone was leaving there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky. Most did’t notice but some did and commented that they were amazed at the power and the beauty of God. I thought about Romans 1:19-20. “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” God was reminding everyone of His existence.

This week we served 90 hot meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. Many were the GE employees. No one could miss them with their green company shirts, although one individual only had his shirt hanging around his neck. I guess he fulfilled the requirement for company attire.
~Marc

What I Have Learned

The following is the testimony that I gave last Sunday at North Hills Community Church. Marc asked me to put it on the blog this week. ~Charity Blumer

When I first started going to Food for Life, I was not even dating my husband. I had met him and thought that it sounded like a great ministry, so I started volunteering.

I believed in the church’s responsibility to care for the poor, but I thought that would look like me giving them money or items that they needed and maybe serving a meal at a place like Food for Life. At first, everyone who volunteers, including myself, starts to wonder what makes a person live a lifestyle of homelessness, since many of them have been coming to Food for Life for years. I quickly drew some conclusions about them, like this one is a drug addict, this one is a bad alcoholic, this one can’t read therefore can’t get a job. I observed their lifestyle choices, the drugs, alcohol, prostitution, immorality and general disregard for marriage, and without premeditating to do it, that is how I defined them when I thought of them. It was how I made sense out of why they are the way they are.

It has taken me all the way until this year to alter my thinking, after really learning some things about my own sin nature and also getting to know some of them better, and re-evaluating my whole way of thinking about how to help the poor and needy. I started getting to know their stories, and I discovered that there isn’t just one reason that they are the way they are. They aren’t homeless just because they are drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, or lazy. There are many layers that explain why they are living this sad lifestyle.

And the thing that I have been struck with the most is that they really aren’t that different from me. There was a time when I would have said, “I could never be homeless, I would rather die than spend one night on the street, and I would do anything to make sure that I never had to.” But I would have spoken out of ignorance. As I have considered their histories, I have realized that most of them have experienced more abuse, neglect, and hardship than I can even comprehend. If I had experienced the kinds of things that most of them have, I would be just like they are.

What makes me different from them really has nothing to do with me. I was born into a different life, with wonderful parents and great opportunities and the grace of God all around me. It was a gift that had nothing to do with me.

So now when I look at them I don’t think, “How could you let yourself live this life,” I simply feel overwhelmed with compassion, and even though I know that for many of them it is going to take a Holy Spirit miracle for their lives to change, I hope and pray that I get to see the miracle take place.

GE Day

Volunteers from General Electric came in force last night. They were all in green company shirts filling every space in the kitchen. Many of the homeless had not seen them before and one asked me if it was St Patrick’s Day which I replied that it was just GE day. It is good to have volunteers but it can be difficult to coordinate that many new volunteers. But the food was prepared on time although the banana pudding was made without the pudding but no one seemed to notice.

Zak preached for Paul tonight. He brought a powerful message and didn’t seem to be distracted by the comings and goings of people in the room. That can be difficult at times unless you stay focused on the message. There were a few disturbances but most were resolved although one individual was sent packing.

As usual there were many requests such as rides every where, money, socks, shirts, gasoline, electric bills to be paid, medication, and two stamped envelopes. One individual wanted us to take some legal action against the police for harassment. We did as much as we could for the resources available.

We had a smaller crowd last night. We served 68 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers.
~Marc

What's His Story?

I have had many volunteers say to me “what’s his story”. What they mean is why is he homeless or what happened to him that resulted in his situation. Of course there is no one answer. We all end up in our current situations because of the influence of others and our own personal decisions. But most of the time nothing turns out like you would expect it. Most would not choose homelessness. Although there are a few that has learned to live with it and probably would not give up this life style. Many have had terrible family situations more varied than I have time or space to write about. Then there are many that just make bad choices i.e. drinking, drugs, or crime to name a few. Then it can be a combination of both problems. All of this can devastate anyone and the street is the result.

Many of the volunteers are reading a book titled “When Helping Hurts” (short title). The authors premise is that the poor is a result of brokenness of foundational relationships. Everyone was created to live in a right relationship with God, self, others, and the rest of creation. But the fall was a problem for everyone. So the first thing is to realize there is no difference between them (homeless) and us (volunteers). We all have the same problem. So when we say what’s his or her story, we could just as easily say what is our story.

Our story last Tuesday night included serving 68 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. We were blessed to have a group from East North Street Baptist Church. They jumped right in helping in the kitchen, serving, and spending time with the homeless. We are always grateful for active volunteers. There are always a lot of needs and no one person can possibly help everyone. ~Marc

Flying a Sign

I was in the bathroom last night at the Homeless Ministry and this guy came in singing:

It’s wonder I’m not a criminal. It’s wonder I’m not in jail. It’s wonder I’m not insane. I’ve got too much time on my hands.

I never heard the song but it’s a captivating tune that keeps rolling around in my head. I guess there are songs for any situation in life including the homeless.

Last night my friend Homeless Eric and some of the volunteers were talking about some of the different terms that the homeless use like “Flying a Sign”. Everyone knows what that is if they have seen anyone holding a sign asking for food or work (it really means give me some money). Eric said he has tried it few times but without much success. It seems he is too friendly and happy. A colleague told him he should look sad and hungry. Eric can look hungry but not sad. One of the volunteers said they had read about an individual that did that for a living. He put on some dirty clothes and drove his fancy car to crowded intersection and collected more money than he could make working. Of course, there are always draw backs on a good thing; it’s against the law. Panhandling can get you a fine of $250 and possibly jail if you have had a bad day and had not collected enough to pay the man. But as one volunteer said, “you do what you got to do” to survive.

Our numbers were down last night. We served 55 meals with the assistance of 12 volunteers. We had two first time volunteers who attend Heritage Bible Church and Brittney who is a returning volunteer after some time off for school. All of them have a real heart to see the homeless and volunteers transformed by the power of the God. We have fun every Tuesday night but no one losses sight of why we are there. It is for the Gospel.
~Marc

Donations Needed for Families

Thank you to everyone who recently donated to the woman in need. She is still in need of a dresser and a twin bed.
Also, we have two other families in need that we have been trying to reach out to through Food for Life. One is a couple who have had a difficult path but are trying to live for God now, as far as we can tell thus far. They just had a baby and have just moved into a new house and have very little. They have no beds, but they do have a crib. They need baby boy items and other various furniture.
There is also another lady that is a single mom who has been living with her sister and just got accepted for section 8 housing. She has absolutely nothing for her house. No furniture at all and no kitchen utensils, plates, shower curtains or rugs, etc.
We would love it if you all could look through any items you are not using and would be willing to donate and help us give to these people. It is a big help if you can also drop it off at the necessary locations or at least at Streetside. Paul and I have had our plates rather full with getting the items to the people; however if you cannot do that, we will make a way to pick it up.
Could you please pass it on to your churches as well!

Obviously please also pray for these people to have spiritual strength and the Holy Spirit power to do what is right.

Thank you all for your generosity.
Charity and Paul

Guest Blogger

This week Homeless Eric has agreed to be our guest blogger. He has been a part of this ministry from the very beginning and we all enjoy seeing him every week. I thought it would be interesting to get his view what is important to him. Thanks Eric for your willingness to share your thoughts.
~Marc

How easy it is for us to live just for me and mine and forget that there are others in need around us; even in the same city. Luke 6:38 says give and it shall be given. This is one of my favorite verses because this is the example Jesus gave everyone that would follow and believe in Him later. He gave His life for everyone that whosoever would trust in Him shall be saved. Apostle John said you'll know them by their love, if you have love for each other. The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. And the second is to love your neighbor.

If you want to survive in this world trust in yourself and those who you have "connections" with. But if you really want to live in the destiny and abundant purposes and plans He already had for you before the foundations of the earth then seek His kingdom. Go and read Matthew 6:33 and follow it out everyday.

Thank you all for your time and selfless service on Tuesday including everyone that is a part of Food For Life!! Amen! Amen!

Seeking Him and His righteousness,
Eric

Serving

Rain, rain, and rain last night while unloading the food from the van. Most of the homeless are thankful for a dry place to settle in on a night like this. They spread out among the tables and watch us volunteers scurry around getting ready for the night. In and out of the room looking for stuff is the first order of business. Are the doors unlocked to supplies and ice machine? Do we have plates, forks coffee, tea, and do we have enough food even though we don’t know how many will show up. After sizing up the situation usually Bonnie will drive to the store for the needed supplies.

As the new volunteers show up we get a lot of questions like “what do I do”. Fortunately, we have a core group of volunteers that help every week and they know what to do. Basically it is shopping, chopping, washing, and mopping in addition to serving. Another group of volunteers minister to the homeless. They serve by spending time talking to them on an individual basis. Everyone has a story and a problem and some just need council, encouragement, and prayer.

After Paul shared the message, there were about 55 individuals lined up for the meal but by the night was over, we served 98 meals. Many go back for seconds and some get a plate to go. We served chicken and rice, beef and noodles, macaroni and cheese, bananas, topped off with chocolate peanut butter squares. Of course we had sweet tea to drink. Then most of the homeless are out the door for a smoke and then they head for their “cat hole” for the night.
~Marc

So Many Needs

I don’t know how the body can take so much abuse. One lady with her significant other showed up last night. They have been living in the woods for as long as we have been ministering downtown. She smokes and has bone cancer. Both are in and out of the hospital because they drink way too much, more than a normal body can stand. They wanted a change of clothes. But what they both need is a heart change because eternity seems real close.

There were so many other needs. Many needed gas, money for their utilities, medication, socks, shoes, rides to the bus station, and rides to where they are staying. Of course, there are many who ask for money although we very seldom give cash. Our ministry is limited in time and money but we try to meet as many needs as possible but sometimes we just tell them we can’t do anything tonight. That does not make them very happy because that person thinks his need is more important than anyone else.

One need we do provide for everyone is a hot meal. Tonight we served 89 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. We were fortunate because we just had enough food for everyone. We never want anyone to be turned away hungry.
~Marc

Homeless Family Life

Last night I had two separate homeless individuals describe their home life growing up and how it affected them. One believed that it is the reason he is homeless and leaving in an abandoned building with no education and no job. He believes that if he had had better parents things would have turned out better for him. He explained that in any family situation a child needs love and understanding. He did receive the love but he never received understanding. His father was not educated enough to take the time to give him an understanding or teaching him how to buy his first car, balance a checkbook, explain sex, or giving him proper direction. He said that his father would not even walk off the field with him, like the other Dads, after a football game. And his mother would’t even go to see him play. So to him understanding is the act of passing knowledge and spending quality time with your child. This he did not receive. Now he spends his time reading and writing about theology and talking with anyone who will listen to him about his latest revelation from God. He seems very bitter about his situation.

The other individual told me about listening to a talk show about the book of Revelation and he heard his real father call in with a question. He said he knew his voice immediately before he identified himself. He really did not know him growing up because he was not claimed as his child for many years. It seems that his mother had got involved with him even though she was already married and tried to pass him off as the child of her current husband. Things came out when his real father’s sisters convinced him to acknowledge own son. But he never spent any time with him until he was around 14 years old. I would say that his family was more dysfunctional than the other one but this individual did not think it caused him to be homeless. I am sure your family situation has a lot to do with how you turn out but many rise above difficult situations and others seem never get over how they were treated as a young child. So is it heredity or environment or a combination of the two that shapes our lives? I am sure both play a part.
~Marc