Cold Cold Cold

Last Tuesday night it was cold, cold, and cold. It was more than cold, it was freezing. The temperature on the sign across the street from Triune registered 23 degrees. With the wind chill factor, I am sure it was probably in the teens. With a night like this there is no doubt there will be many coming in to get warm but I always wonder if we will have enough volunteers. However, I was surprised to have a small group from our church to show up to volunteer. Along with the regulars, we had 20 volunteers to help make one very large pot and two small pots of coffee, and serve 90 hot meals.

Paul continued teaching in the book of James. He focused on verse 5 that states that if you lack wisdom ask God and He will give it to us liberally. That should appeal to everyone because we all desire wisdom. But Paul pointed out that this wisdom is not of this world He defined wisdom in I Corinthians 1:30 that Christ Jesus is the wisdom from God. And God gave that wisdom liberally to the world by giving up his Son to die and take the punishment for our sins.

During Paul’s teaching, there was some distraction from a few who were not interested in his message but were interested settling an argument that probably started before they arrived. Paul immediately asks them to leave. It was amazing that even these guys are respectful enough to leave. Most are very respectful and listen but there are always a few that will distract the message because of their own agenda.
~Marc

Trials and Tribulations

The more I go downtown, the more I realize that problems of the homeless are no different than others in society. They struggle with unemployment, lost loves, drugs, and mental illness just like other people. The only difference is that they are homeless while the rest of us have a home. It might be a home with a mortgage payment way over due or a home of a relative or a parent. During this current economy everyone is affected by inadequate housing. Because of this situation, I wonder if the ranks of the homeless may increase in the future causing a shortage of funds for agencies that try to help the unfortunate. I know that a small percentage of homeless chose this as a life style. But most don’t. Most wonder, as one individual I talked to last night, how they got there. This individual said his father died and no one in his family loved him so he just took off and ended up in Greenville. He had adapted to homelessness. He works like everyone else but he lives in abandoned building. He developed a relationship with a “significant other” who cared about him and for what ever reason was willing to live on the street too. So he had sort of a family. He had someone who cared about him. Unfortunately for him last week she left him. He came in drunk and crying. He felt like no one loved him. We talked at length about his family. I suggested he try to contact them. He was reluctant to do this because he said they did not love him. I suggested that the worse that could happen is that he would be right. But the best that could happen, he could be wrong. And if he was wrong it could change his life. He decided to contact his sister that has not heard from him since 1992. I thought to myself that his family probably would be shocked to hear from him after all this time.

Paul continued to teach from the book of James. In verses 2 through 6 of chapter 1, there is an understanding that everyone will experience trials and tribulations, not just the homeless. It does not say “if” but “when” you experience. Of course, this is the result of our bad choices and/or because we live in a sinful world. But we will experience those trials regardless. God does not create those things but He does expect difficult reactions for Christians. First of all, these difficulties can produce patience. Also, it allows us to evaluate our faith. One aspect of saving faith is perseverance. Is our reaction to trials and tribulations result in turning to God or do we turn from God and sin? This is a real opportunity for us to peak into our own heart.

This Tuesday, we served 80 meals with the assistance of 21 volunteers. I want to thank John Hatfield, one of our volunteers, for the photograph of a poster in the room where we serve the homeless.
~Marc

Count It All Joy

Last Tuesday night I had a headache and considered not making it downtown. Then I thought, many of the homeless probably have a headache too and would rather be some where else. So I went any way. During the night, I had two individuals request something for a headache. We don't always have every thing requested but tonight I was prepared for a headache.

Tonight Paul started teaching in the book of James. He gave all of us some background on who wrote the book (no, that is not a trick question) and it's context. He spent some time on chapter 1 verses 2 and 3 which states there is joy in trials and tribulations for a Christian. For a non-Christian trials brings bitterness and discontent. But for a Christian these same trials will result in patience. God is interested in our trusting Him regardless of the circumstances and He desires use difficult times to produce spiritual fruit in our lives.

Our numbers were off from previous weeks. We served 55 meals with the assistance of 14 volunteers. Some of the homeless receive some type of federal assistance which usually runs out the middle of the month. Later on in the month when funds are low, many more show up for a meal. For what ever reason, we look forward to seeing all who come in each Tuesday night.
~Marc

What is a Church?

What is a church? The dictionary states it is either “a building where religious services are performed” or “a group of people who follow the same Christian beliefs”. I wondered about this definition last Tuesday night because an individual left during Paul’s teaching mumbling on his cell phone “this better be important because I am in church”. This individual was not homeless or poor but he was attending the service right along side with all types of people; black and white, rich and poor, Christian and non-Christian, volunteers and non-volunteers, smart and not so smart. All types of people come downtown for various reasons. Sure there are some whose eyes glaze over when Paul teaches just waiting for “amen” so they can eat. But there are so many that take it seriously. They bring their Bibles and listen and expect to receive a greater knowledge of the Word of God. Also, they expect to share it with others downtown. Earlier, in Paul’s ministry, we would hear many homeless say that our ministry was their church. But Paul was always quick to say, that we do minister to individuals but we were not a church. He wanted to encourage everyone to become part of a local church where they could receive on going encouragement and accountability. This is very important. However, I know many who go to church and do not allow themselves to receive any accountability. So are we a church? We are in a building where religious services are performed and we are a body of believers who, each in his own way, ministers to others. We probably are not a church in the true sense of the word, but we are a type of a church who ministers by providing food, clothing and blankets, and preaching true Biblical principles and providing accountability for those who seek it.

An individual attended last Tuesday night who was instrumental in helping Paul begin his ministry by providing a location for his Bible Study. Paul had an idea to start this ministry in his house but this individual offered a downtown location free of charge. Good thing it was free because many nights no one showed up. But Paul told him that he could see the room filled with people listening and worshipping God. And within a year, that is exactly what happened. Even to the point that the fire marshal would not allow us to continue because there were too many people. Then through some downtown connections, Paul was allowed to continue at Triune Mercy Center. Again, it was free which allowed the ministry to continue to grow. As an example, last Tuesday night, we served 100 meals with the help of 24 volunteers which included a girls “fast pitch” softball team called the “Carolina Crush”. But in the beginning a good night was 4 or 5 people and Paul and his family were the volunteers. Now the volunteers come from local employers, all types of churches, homeschoolers, and even softball teams. It seems there are many who want to minister but don’t know how. We provide a venue to allow them to grow spiritually by ministering to others. And what is important, now there others that have that same vision that Paul had downtown 6 years ago; to see a room full of individuals listening to the Word and worshiping God.

Thanks to everyone who attended in 2008. Because of your compassion, Food for Life served 3,919 meals with assistance of 2,327 volunteer hours. I want to wish everyone a prosperous new year and look forward to 2009 to see what God will do in the lives of everyone who attends each Tuesday night. God Bless.
~Marc

Christmas Gifts

Christmas is here. We had a great time last night sharing the real meaning of Christmas through song and the scripture in the gospel of Luke. Paul presented a powerful sermon and one individual made a profession of faith in Christ at the end of the message.

The Woodside Church of God came down with their youth and brought blankets and coats. There was a wide selection and many left with bags of clothes. Food for Life gave each person a Christmas card with $5.00 in McDonald’s food coupons. I wondered how many would show up at McDonalds at one time. Homeless Dwayne received an oil lamp with fuel and a flashlight with batteries. He was all smiles because that is very useful living in an abandoned building. We usually don’t give money but we made an exception for homeless Eric. He received $10 from his favorite volunteer.

After we cleaned up, we gave some a ride. Eric went to the Mission, Frog to his place of residence across town, and Johnny and Debra on the way back. Since we only have two seats, the rest of us were crammed into the back of the van. I am thankful we were not stopped because we would probably look a little suspicious to the authorities.
~Marc

Powerful Testimony

Another great Tuesday night at Triune Mercy Center; we served 85 hot meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. Two of the volunteers are friends of ours who are missionaries from Alaska. They are in Greenville for the holidays and came down to help Paul. We appreciated their help and especially enjoyed visiting with them.

The highlight of the night was a testimony by a man who 6 months ago was on the street with his children. He testified how God has changed him and his family through the ministry of Food for Life. It was very powerful since many of the homeless knew him personally and could visibly see the impact of God’s grace through Jesus on his life. That is what we all desire for everyone each Tuesday night.

Next week we will meet on Monday night instead Tuesday. We changed the day in order for Paul to attend before he leaves on a trip to Colorado. We have been planning for a great Christmas feast and some gift surprises for all who attend. We are grateful for Adair who raised a considerable amount to fund our Christmas party. This time of year we enjoy getting together to not only experience the festive atmosphere but also to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas to all from Paul and Food for Life Ministries and may everyone have a happy new year.
~Marc

Encouraging Testimony

GE employees continued to assist other volunteers each Tuesday night. Some volunteers work in the kitchen cooking, washing dishes, and serving the food. Other volunteers come each week to provide the music as they did this week. And occasionally, someone will substitute for Paul if he can not attend. This week Patrick did a great job preaching God’s word for our edification. We all chip in to get the job done each week regardless of the work each performs. This week we served 66 meals with a total of 19 volunteers.

One of the volunteers told me that he had gone through some of the same problems we see every week. He had experienced the same addictions and even jail time among other things. He was now clean and just wanted to volunteer to show others that there is hope, and that they can go from being served to being a servant. I appreciated his testimony because we all desire to see change in their lives. That is why we come down each Tuesday night.

The above picture is one our friends. He makes walking sticks to sell. This one is not finished but it did look very good. I am amazed at the talent we see every Tuesday. One of the homeless even played the piano while everyone was eating. Regardless of his situation, he was willing to share his talent with all of us.

As a reminder, Food for Life will be on Monday (Dec. 22) instead of Tuesday (Dec. 23) the week of Christmas. We changed the night so Paul could attend. He will be leaving town on Tuesday. The following week we will return to our regular schedule.
~Marc

Conversations with the Homeless

That’s William. I told him to act natural but he chose to act unnatural. Is he trying to disguise himself or is he just acting up. He has been coming downtown for as long as I can remember.

I talked to Steve who is on the street. He has a college degree and an alcohol addiction. His father is a doctor and his sister has a master’s degree. He told me that he has had very good jobs but his addiction keeps calling him and he can’t resist. He said he would even steal for a can of beer. That is sad. I wonder if all of us regular folks are any different. We all are bent toward sin in one way or another. The battles that we fight, most don’t even know about.

Also, I talked to Wayne. He and his significant other live in an abandoned building. He said there are many homeless there that have taken up residence in different parts of the building. It is almost like each has a separate apartment except there is no rent or heat. They use cardboard to keep the wind out and use candles and flashlights for light. Fortunately, no one seems to bother them. He told me about a 19 year old college girl living in their building with another homeless guy. He said her parents have come and pleaded with her to come home. She refuses because she wants her freedom and she does not want anyone telling her what to do. Dwayne and others have told her she is crazy. I think they realize that she has a home and loving parents which most of the homeless never had.

After the meal, Frank had a few suggestions for Christmas gifts for the homeless. He said socks, stocking cap, flashlight, razor, and MacDonald’s coupons in a zip bag would be appreciated. Also, he was real interested to know if we were going to raffle off a week’s stay in a motel again. The year before last, he won the prize and was hoping he would be lucky again.

Last Tuesday night we shared a meal with 55 friends with the assistance of 14 volunteers. Even though we live in different worlds and experience different problems, we are the same in many ways. Each Tuesday we try to share our love and concern for others unconditionally.
~Marc

Happy Thanksgiving

Last Tuesday night was our annual Thanksgiving feast for our downtown friends. The place was packed. I can only estimate that we served about 185 meals based on the number of plates used. We counted 70 volunteers who were kind enough to bring covered dishes to add to the turkey and dressing. Even though there were tons of people to feed, there was tons of food. We all were very thankful for God’s grace and the fellowship of friends. It truly is a time to count our blessings whether we are on the street or just visiting downtown once a week. Thanks to everyone that made it a great success. ~Marc

Homeless Eric

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

Hard Times

This picture is me and one of my homeless friends. We get together each week and share how difficult our week has been and he always wins. Most would think it could not get any worse on the street, but it has. Another friend, Wayne, was really discouraged this week. He is homeless but looks decent and does work. But unfortunately he can’t make enough to get any type of housing. But lately, he told us that it was getting worse on the street. The day labor has not been available as in the past and he has even had a hard time selling his plasma for money. It is hard to make an honest living on the street.

A couple of weeks ago, someone gave Wayne a really nice flashlight. The only problem was they did not give him the 6 C cell batteries to make it operate. When he showed up last Tuesday, he had accumulated 4 batteries during the week but still could not use the flash light. Paul went to the store to purchase the remaining two batteries. When you are sleeping outside a good flashlight is a must.

Paul finished the study of Romans this week. He started this book over 2 years ago and it has impacted the lives of many that have attended during this time. Last Tuesday, he covered the benediction in Romans in verses 16:25-27. In these verses the Apostle Paul is saying bye to everyone in a way that only the Apostle could. He emphasized that Christ is the only one who can establish us according to the gospel. The Apostle Paul starts and finishes Romans with Christ.

After most had left, many of the musicians stayed around and enjoyed a jam session. We are grateful for their participation each week
~Marc.

Yes We Can

I don't recommend any political party just because I use that slogan, but I do think it can be used to reflect Paul's determination to serve the homeless and poor in Greenville. When he started this ministry many thought he could not keep pace by serving every Tuesday night for any extended period of time. Especially, since the ministry is not afflilated with any organization to provide the necessary funds. But five years later, Food for Life Ministries is still going strong. God has blessed us by providing the donations just at the right time.

Also, we have been blessed for the last five years with volunteers that have faithfully served along side Paul and provided not only funds but also provided the many necessities for the homeless. One such volunteer started two weeks ago and got so excited that he and his wife spent all day Saturday purchasing items to distribute to the homeless. This last Tuesday, we had a blankets, clothes, and shoes for every person that attended.

I thought this is the first time that we were able to meet every need until a older homeless lady showed up with a special need. She asked for $3.00 to purchase adhesive for her false teeth. She definitely needed it. We gave her the money and she kissed Tony and I on the forehead. I asked Tony if he was going to tell his wife that he was kissed by a homeless woman. He said probably not. You never know what to expect each Tuesday.

Last Tuesday we served 85 hot meals with the assistance of 18 volunteers. We are fortunate to have so many individuals from different organization such as GE, colleges, and various churches in Greenville. Food for Life has always served and been served by so many people from different backgrounds. For that we are thankful every Tuesday night.
~Marc