Stepping out in faith

Sunday afternoon, August 7, 2022.
Temperature: 96 degrees.
This day, God gave us the privilege of serving 35 people.

“Stepping out in faith”

If a person is standing at an intersection with a cup and a “Help Me” sign they clearly are asking for help. But not everyone on the street is homeless or looking for help. How are we to know who needs help and who does not? Many times, we don’t know. It’s then that we are challenged to step out in faith. When we find the courage to step out in faith, God often presents us with a pleasant surprise. We saw him sitting on the curb a block away from the homeless shelter. His bag was on the ground beside him. I commented, “There’s a fellow who looks like he could use some help.”

Ed and Kathleen agreed. We made our way through traffic and pulled up in front of the man. Kathleen held out our packet of $10 cash, a $10 Dunkin Donuts gift certificate and our prayer card, and asked, “Could you use some help?” The man rose to his feet and said, “What?” Again we asked, “Could you use some help?” Looking at the “On the Street Ministry” sign on our truck, he replied, “No, I don’t need any help, but I would be glad to donate twenty bucks.” Shocked, our immediate reaction was to say, “No, no, thank you very much, we’re all set.”

As we drove away, I had an uncomfortable feeling that we had handled it wrong. Later that evening as I reflected on the day, I realized we should have accepted his offer to donate twenty dollars. The man had immediately recognized that we were doing good and had a desire to take part. As Christians, we are called to be inclusive to all who desire to join

God’s work; Christ’s work does not belong to us alone.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10

“For me? Are you kidding?”

The man was walking in front of St Patrick’s church. As we pulled up next to him, Kathleen held out a bottle of water and a chilled orange and asked, “Could you use a little help?” Surprised, he responded, “Oh, yes…thank you very much!”

Ed commented on the beautiful crucifix the young man was wearing. He replied, “My uncle was a Catholic priest. He died! This was his crucifix.” Ed expressed our condolences and introduced himself. The young man said, “My name is Joseph, I come from Fall River. Ed then handed Joseph our packet of $10, the Dunkin Donuts certificate and a prayer card. Totally surprised, Joseph exclaimed,”For me? Are you kidding?” Incredulous that total strangers would offer him help, Joseph offered his heartfelt thanks. Then he went on his way with a look of wonder on his face.

“And (they) recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” Acts: 3:10