You already have the most important things my friend, God and each other.

Sunday, February 19, 2023 - 7:15 AMTemperature: Mild

Note: An update on Cate who we wrote about last week. Cate made a decision to seek help for herself and her baby. On the Streets Ministry and The Brockton Champion Program were able to assist Cate in being admitted to a treatment facility.

“You already have the most important things my friend, God and each other.”

Today we went on the street early before the shelter let out. That way we were able to meet and help the people who slept outside before 50-60 people hit the street from the local shelter. We met a couple, “Stacy and Chip.” Chip said, “We don’t have anything.” We gave them each our packet of $10 cash, a $10 Dunkin card and an On the Street Prayer card and told Chip,” You already have the most important things my friend, God and each other.” Stacy lit up and said, “See Chip, that’s just what I told you last night.” They shared some personal information, so we brought the conversation around to AA. Stacy showed some interest, but Chip was quiet. We gave them an AA meeting list book and told Chip, “Come anyway, if only for the coffee and donuts and to get out of the cold for an hour.” He said, “Maybe I will.” Not every seed spouts but it can’t sprout if it is never planted. It all begins by meeting people where they live, developing relationship and building trust.

“God’s concern for the poor is the mirror image of a mother’s concern for her most troubled child.”

He said, “No problem, nobody talks to me anyway.”

We also met a middle age man named “Teto” near the rail tracks. Teto is from Kenya and has a wife and 9 yr old son in Africa. He works construction ‘under the table’ and sends money to his wife every month for his family to live on. Teto sleeps and eats in the shelter or on the street because he’s also trying to save money to bring his family here. (That’s how my grandmother got here from Ireland in 1903. Her older brother came first. He then sent money home so other family members could follow). Teto was alone, so we were able to offer him our usual packet plus a few extra dollars for his family. We asked him to keep the extra gift to himself. He said, “No problem, nobody talks to me anyway.” - Jesus Weeps.

“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”Hebrews 13: 2-3