“Life is cruel, life is tough, life is crazy, then it all turns to dust, we let them out, we let them in” lyrics from song, “Tipping Point” by Tears for Fears

On Monday, we had the privilege of serving 9 people; on Saturday we had the privilege of serving 25 people.

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We were unable to get out on the street last Saturday and went on Monday and met up with a few of our friends.  There has been a lot of sickness around, flu virus, pneumonia.

The talk this week was about an ordinance that was approved by the city to make it illegal to camp out on public grounds or loiter.  This makes it more difficult for our friends to find shelter.  There are three different factors:  (1) Some are afraid to go to a shelter; they fear for their safety, (2) Some cannot get into a shelter because there are no openings, (3) Some are barred from the shelter.  We don’t know what the solution is but locking them up and fining them won’t work.  There are stories of some of our friends getting temporary housing and cannot adapt to a somewhat normal life, and the call of the street and their addictions lead them to losing their housing.

We ran into our friend (Andy) in his wheelchair in the middle of Main St.  It’s surprising he hasn’t been run over.  We gave him our packet of $10 bill/$10 Dunkin Donuts card/prayer card and he is always directing us to another friend in need.

We met up with (Laurie).  She had a new rolling walker which helps her get around easier.  She is an older woman, but she is always so pleasant.  For every happy encounter we have, there is sometimes a sad one.  We ran into our friends (Kathy, Shane) who are married and seem to be getting more and more sick.  (Kathy) was crying on my shoulder.  She was asked to leave the convenience store she was standing in. She was so upset.  I told her I loved her.  It’s heart-wrenching seeing what addiction and living on the street will do.  Along with the fact that they have a young child who they cannot see.  It’s a vicious cycle we pray some day will be broken.

I was asked to speak about OTSM at an Ultreya Sunday night by Patti and JohnDeAngelo.  We are so very thankful forall the donations by people who attended.

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“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins”.  Matthew 6:15 (NIV)

God Bless,

Claire and Shaun Teed and Tito

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