Why are You Giving Me This?

Sunday, June 26, 2022

“Why are You Giving Me This?”

Sunday we had the privilege of serving twenty-two people.

Their stories and circumstances vary but they’re alike in their desperation.

The number of people living “on the street” can be overwhelming. It is important to remember that every person is unique and “one on one is how it’s done.”

We pulled up next to “Martin” as he walked down Pleasant Street. Ed held out our packet of cash, a Dunkin Donuts certificate and our prayer card and asked, “Could you use a little help?”

Looking at what he was being offered, Martin asked in a gruff manner,

“What’s this for?”

Then again, “Why are you giving me this?”

It’s a question that we’re asked fairly often.

Although some people on the street “stem” (beg) for money, others are not comfortable asking for money.

Life on the street is often a quid pro quo environment; consequently homeless people tend to be guarded. Hesitantly taking the gift that Ed was offering, Martin looked at it carefully and then offered a quiet, “Thank you.”

We remind ourselves that although the monetary gift we offer will help to sustain them physically, the verse on the prayer card will soften their hearts and strengthen their faith: Your love comforts me in my loneliness and isolation,“

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” Isaiah 41:10

“Together in Their need”

On Sunday morning, an elderly couple sat on a bench on Main Street. They appeared to be in their Sunday best so at first sight it was difficult to tell if they were homeless. The shopping cart next to the bench, overflowing with a variety of items, was the giveaway. We pulled up and introduced ourselves. The gentleman told us his name was Peter. His companion said, “I’m Clare.”

We offered each of them one of our packets. Their eyes lit up as they expressed their appreciation with genuine joy. It was then we noticed people streaming out of a nearby church. It became clear that Peter and Clare had just come from the service. Many of the homeless we serve attend church. Homeless or not, the reality is that we don’t tend to pray as fervently from our self-sufficiency as we do from our desperation.

“And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15