Henry Singing

Henry is a real Renaissance Man of the homeless community. He writes, paints, and sings among other talents. He has more talent in his little finger than I do in my whole body. Triune Mercy Center gives opportunities to homeless to expand their God given talents and to perform for others.

Programs

I was talking with an individual who was scheduled to enter a program the following week. He seemed to lack the conviction that he could complete it or that it would do him any good. If fact, he said he would not do this if it had not been forced on him by the courts. The main problem, he explained, was that if anyone crossed him, he could not help but to retaliate. Of course, that is what got him in trouble in the first place. I tried to encourage him that not only could he complete the program but that it could help him. Then explained his real problem.

When he was a child he was tied up and beaten by his father. He could not understand why he was treated that way and why his mother allowed it. He had a hate love relationship with them. He said he was taken away a number of times because of the beatings but always to be returned to his parents and the abuse. Once he become older and strong enough to defend himself, he became the abuser to anyone who got in his way.

We see sin every week in others and in ourselves. His sin is justified in his own mind because he was treated a certain way. But sin lucks in all of our hearts and we are always trying to find a reason for our behavior other than looking within ourselves. The only real program that works is to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Become a new creature. One who loves God and each other by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. That is the program that we present each Tuesday night. That is the only hope.

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.

Numbers

As we start the New Year, I was thinking of how many people that helped us last year and the meals reported each week. It really adds up, but the most important number is not reported each week. That is the number that accept Christ and mentored by one of the volunteers, the many people that receive funds to help them keep their lights or heat on. How many that are driven to detox or put in a room for the night due to illness or provided a coat or a blanket for a cold night. The really important numbers many not be reported but they are the most important because they represent lives of people that are in need. So even though we report each week on meals served and volunteer hours, that is not the most important numbers.

With that said, last week we served 146 meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers.

Food for Life Cancled because of Weather

Food for Life is canceled tonight due to the fact that Triune is closed because of weather, and the 40 degree shelters are open and most of the homeless will be staying there and eating there.

Christmas for the Homeless

Last Tuesday night was filled with cheer, good food, and presents for the homeless. Everyone, including the homeless was in a good mood this time of year. Even though they may live under a bridge in the freezing cold or sleep on a pew in a church to get out of the weather, everyone was happy. One of the homeless was giving out Christmas cards to all of the volunteers and mentioning, by the way, he could use a little change. Even Homeless Eric got in the spirit of Christmas by helping wash the pots and pans. That was a first. All of the volunteers were happy as well. Many enjoy volunteering this time of the year by bringing their children and spending time with the less fortunate to make them appreciate what they have as a family.

Tonight we served 149 meals with the assistance of 32 volunteers. Thanks to everyone who helped wrap all the clothes and gift cards for the homeless. If you happen to go to Liquid Highway downtown and see a lot of homeless people, it is because each of them received a gift card for $5.00.

Merry Christmas!
~Marc

Christmas Gifts

Food For Life is collecting the following items for Christmas presents for the homeless: L or XL mens coats , warm blankets, gloves, warm socks, toothbrushes, candy bars, McDonalds gift cards. Items should be clean! Please do NOT donate: women's coats, adult clothing, childrens clothing, and childrens coats. These are not needed at this time. Drop off items at Streetside catering by this Sunday please! We will be giving them out next Tuesday night.

Also, we are accepting cash donations to purchase the gift cards for food. Since our numbers have increased in the last month, we expect to have a big demand next week. Thanks to everyone that supports Food for Life with your service, money, and prayers.

Food for Life Canceled for Tonight, November 30.

Food for Life is canceled due to Paul and Bonnie's work and Charity being sick. We will be back up and running next week.
Charity

Thanksgiving, A Time of Giving and Thanks!

Thanksgiving is a time that so many people sit down and try to think of ways that they can give to others. This is especially important to families. It is a great time of year for parents to teach their children the importance of giving to those in need as they consider all of the blessings in their own lives. Some people give to orphans and foster children, others reach out to single moms or widows, and others desire to lend a helping hand to the homeless. A question I am sure we all want to ask ourselves during this time of year is this, "How can I truly help in a lasting way, and not unintentionally hurt?"
Scripture talks about the importance of giving materially to those in need as an act of grace. We are told to make sure to reach out with a heart of generosity in the name of Jesus as if we were serving Him personally. Those acts of grace are so important, but what a difference we could make for the long-term if we used those acts of grace as a means to build a relationship, make a connection with the people in need. What a true act of grace it would be if that plate of food that we served led to a conversation, that conversation led to the sharing prayer requests, that sharing led to the joining together to pray, and that prayer was the beginning of a friendship. What a difference that would make!!!
There are so many churches and so many people at Thanksgiving time that do acts of generosity to the homeless but never make an effort any other time of year. Because of this, it is easy for the homeless to disconnect with the people who are giving to them. The homeless person could leave the facility with a full belly, a warm coat, and a heavy heart.
This Thanksgiving, as we think of the things that we are most thankful for, such as our salvation and our family and friends, let's remember that what makes us blessed most of all is not the clothes we wear or the beds that we sleep in, but our relationships. Relationships with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and with others who truly care about us are the things we are most thankful for, and these relationships are the things that enable us to flourish in our lives. The homeless community is no different. This Thanksgiving, let us give with the same heart of generosity with which we give every year, but let us give the two greatest gifts we can offer, the gospel and our friendship.
~Charity

Lawlessness

I could talk about the constant verbal and physical abuse that some experienced last Tuesday night. But that could lead to the conclusion that this type of lawlessness was representative of the homeless community, which it is not. Sure we have times when there are disagreements between individuals, but it is not something that can not be resolved. I am reminded that this lawlessness is every where. My next door neighbor was robbed in her garage when she got home from work. I did not need to go downtown. I could have looked out the window for a lesson in lawlessness. Just watch the news on TV for another look at our society. The homeless are constantly on guard but we are not. They know for a fact that some resolve their differences with violence. We think everyone is basically a good person and we think it will never happen to us. But it does. The Bible teaches us that we are not good but bad. It is our nature so why would anyone be surprised that some would act up downtown. They act up everywhere. Laws can not change people’s hearts, only God can. That is why we go downtown. Not to feel good after feeding the homeless in a sterile environment. But to go downtown and preach the gospel which is only thing that will change a heart of a homeless person or a volunteer.
~Marc

Problems with Working

It is very difficult for most of the homeless to obtain any type of employment. Too many prospective employers want an address and home phone number which none have. So some of the choices available is working as a day laborer, usually through a company downtown, or looking for homes that they can do some yard work. Since most are not covered by any labor laws many are cheated out of their wages one way or another. At least, that is what I hear from most, although, I know there are two sides to every story.

Paul helps many out by hiring some to wash dishes at Streetside. This helps some to move up to a motel room, at least temporarily, but some will work and continue to stay on the street by choice. It is a real challenge to hire a homeless person because none have transportation which means providing a taxi service, which usually falls on one of the Streetside employees. Many don’t mind for a short period of time but it can be difficult if they are really busy. But if someone doesn’t provide that service, then you can be sure they can not be dependable even on good day.

Last Tuesday night a couple of the homeless had come up with a good idea to make some money. They decided to be street entertainers. According to them they had even acquired the proper permit from the city. So they started their enterprise by providing entertainment with the meal. They were very good, but at first the audience seemed to only focus on eating. But after playing a few songs, many did give them an ovation, although it was not standing.

So if you see them performing on the street maybe you could give them a couple of dollars. It is still work and they are providing a service that deserves some reward.
~Marc

Hungry Folks

We served 133 meals last Tuesday. I can’t remember serving this many meals in the past, other than Thanksgiving two years ago. It seems more and more people are in need. Fortunately, we continue to receive support from some wonderful volunteers. Not only those who show up, but some who prepare food in advance for us. One of our volunteers recently prepared meat loaf for over 100 meals. We added some chicken and vegetables with ice cream for dessert for a meal. Everyone said it was great. One individual told me, as he was leaving, that he had never had this much food at one time. He said that it was especially good for him because he had been hungry all day. We use food to make connections with people. If we can show some compassion for a hungry person then we have the opportunity to present the Gospel to all who have ears to hear.
~Marc