Dear Lord, please don't let us run out!

Sunday afternoon, August 14, 2022.
Temperature: 75 degrees.
This day, God gave us the privilege of serving 45 people.

“Dear Lord, please don’t let us run out!”

Helping those on the street always leaves us with mixed emotions. We are filled with sorrow that so many are homeless, yet joyful that we’re able to lift their spirits by providing a little help and hope. The crowd of homeless folks at our first stop had been slowly growing each week. This past Sunday we were overwhelmed by the number of people excitedly waiting for us. My first thought was, “Dear Lord, don’t let us run out or some will have to go away empty handed.”As people approached our truck, we offered a gift of $10 cash, a $10 Dunkin Donuts gift certificate and our prayer card, along with cold water and a freshly chilled orange. In return we were deluged with a cascade of humble expressions of gratitude and heartfelt blessings. After helping the last person, we were amazed that we had given out the very last packet that we had prepared.

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”Matthew 9:26

“We met in prison.”

We saw them standing on the corner. Pulling up, we introduced ourselves and asked their names. Glancing at the “On the Street Ministry” sign on our truck, one of the men replied, “My name is Jeremiah and this is my friend, Nathan.” We held out a packet to each of them, along with ice water and cold fruit. Then I asked, “Where are you fellas from?” Delighted with our gifts, they both politely thanked us. Jeremiah told us he was from Wareham and Nathan offered that he grew up in East Bridgewater. We talked a bit, then I asked Nathan if he had gone to Saint John’s in East Bridgewater when growing up. He replied, “I’m not sure of the name of the church but I did go to CCD.” Continuing to make conversation, I asked, “Where did you fellas meet?” Jeremiah hesitated for just an instant, then he replied, “We met in prison.” I was humbled that Jeremiah had so quickly felt comfortable enough to reveal to us that they had been in prison. I thought of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, “I was in prison and you visited me.” We chatted for a few more minutes and I said, “Before you go fellas, we have another gift for you.” I handed them each a prayer card with a picture of Rembrandt’s “Prodigal Son.” On the reverse side are Jesus’ words in the gospel of Luke about the Father’s greeting to His long lost son. As they walked away, they were both reading the card.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”Luke 15:20