Can you please baptize me?

Sunday, September 11, 2022
Temperature: 88 degrees
This day God gave us the privilege of serving 48 people.

The small gift we give is the key that opens the door to their heart.

Although we meet new people every time we go on the street, we continue to develop personal relationships with those we see regularly. Ryan was raised by his Grandmother who he calls every day. Last week we spent time with Ryan, while he charged his cell phone from our truck. Sadly, Ryan’s phone was stolen recently, along with all his belongings. He told us, “I know my Grandmother worries about me, especially now that I can’t call her.” Ryan was delighted when we offered to touch base occasionally with his Gram. He gave us her telephone number. Then with a broad smile he told us,“You guys brighten my day.”When we finished our mission on the street, we called Ryan’s Gram. We spoke at length with this delightful, older woman. As she shared about raising Ryan since he was six, her deep concern and worry was evident. Her voice quivered as she told us,“I’m 77 years old. With Ryan out on the street I don’t sleep well at all. I just don’t feel like eating. I have lost 18 pounds.”She calmed as we shared about our worries and concerns for our adult grandchildren who are experiencing their own problems and similar life challenges. We shared that every homeless child of God has a parent or grandparent who loves them and worries for their safety. Truly, the lost and found alike are tenderly woven into the tapestry of God’s loving embrace.

“Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

The challenges of the homeless.

Even people who generously share their gifts with charities sometimes feel confused and frustrated when they see a homeless person holding a “Help Me” sign. They may wonder; “Why don’t they try to get work? There are ‘Help Wanted’ signs all over the place.” We met “Jimmy” about two months ago. He thanked us for our gifts and told us “What I really need is a job.” Jimmy went on to tell us, “I need an address to get a job…and I need a job to get an address.” At that time we directed him to an agency that we believed could help him with his problem. We saw Jimmy again recently, forlornly sitting on a bench. He told us he still hasn’t been able to get a job. Finally, clearly embarrassed, Jimmy told us, “I’m ashamed to tell most people, but the truth is, I can’t fill out an application because I can barely read and I don’t know how to write.” Things are not always as simple as they appear. For most people “Homelessness” is not their first choice.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another…” Ephesians 4:32