The Slow Decline

Saturday Morning April 8, 2023

Abimael - “My father is the Lord.”

We saw two men walking a short distance from the homeless shelter. Pulling up beside them we held out our packet, $10 cash, a $10 Dunkin card and our Madonna prayer card. We asked, “Could you use a little help?”Their English was limited, and they were confused about what we were offering. We introduced ourselves. They told us their names were Abimael and Juan. The older man, Abimael, recognized the Madonna of the Street picture on the prayer card. He immediately took the entire packet and held it between his folded hands. Looking to Heaven, he bowed. Then three times he loudly proclaimed, “Thank you God!” I was so impressed that his immediate reaction was not to thank us, but to thank God. We talked a bit longer, all of us struggling with the language barrier. We asked, “Are you from Peru?” We named several other countries but only received blank stares. Then we asked, “Ecuador?” Immediately, we were greeted with big smiles. “Ecuador, Ecuador,” they chimed obviously delighted to hear the name of their native country. Later that day I took the time to look up the meaning of the name Abimael. To my delight I learned that it translates,“My father is the Lord.”

“*And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:17

The Slow Decline

We met “Pete” several years ago sitting on the steps of a local church. He was neat, clean shaven and appeared to have his act together. He told us he did day work for various local contractors. Because the work was not steady, Pete could not afford an apartment, so he lived “on the street.” The first several times we saw Pete he politely declined our packet of $10 cash, a $10 Dunkin card and a prayer card. From time to time Pete relocated to different areas of the city. Occasionally he would drop out of sight for weeks at a time. Over the months and years that passed we observed Pete’s slow decline. Red faced, blurry eyed, unshaven and unsteady on his feet, Pete accepted our packet with downcast eyes. On several occasions we spoke to Pete privately, saying, “Pete, there’s help available Brother. Just say the word and we’ll be glad to take you to an AA meeting and stick with you until you get your act together.” Taking our packet, Pete would thank us with the assurance that he was “alright,” and go on his way. Recently, after a long absence, we saw Pete again. He and two friends were panhandling at a local mall. They told us they were living in a tent in the woods, trying to get enough money to buy some propane for their cook stove. We pulled Pete aside. Putting our arm around his shoulder we asked, “Are you ready to get some help, Pal?”.Without looking up, Pete replied, “Thanks a lot guys, but really, I’m doing pretty good right now.” Do you have a Pete among your extended family? I do! Keep faith because Jesus says,

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”

Revelation 3:20