I am sure that some may be confused as to why I would want to spend a weekend being homeless. Curiosity, insanity, challenge? Who knows, maybe they all played a part it my decision to go. But I can say that being homeless for even just a weekend has impacted me more than anything I’ve ever done in my life. It has opened my eyes and awakened my heart to a whole new level of love and compassion for this group of forgotten people.
I’m really not much of an emotional guy, my wife can tell you it takes a lot for me to shed tears. However, throughout this weekend and even still today, I find myself overcome with emotion over my personal encounter with homelessness. Right now, I am still attempting to soak in and figure out how to make sense of and put into words everything that I saw and experienced. Nevertheless, I find myself in times over the past few days that I feel nothing but brokenness.
When I got home from my weekend on the streets yesterday afternoon, upon waking from a much needed nap (to make up major lack of sleep over the weekend) I just couldn’t get those guys I had met and spent time with over the weekend off of my mind. So last night I told my wife and kids to get in the car, not even telling them where we were going, and began to head towards downtown. On the way my pastor friend Matthew that had spent the weekend on the streets with me called just to say, “Man, are you like me driving around, just wishing you were downtown?” Of which I responded, “Yeah man, I’m already halfway there.”
I knew those guys we made friends with and hung out with over the weekend would be cold and on the street, with nothing to look forward to but a freezing night of miserable sleep on the streets. It may not have been much, but even through a cup of hot coffee we wanted them to know that someone really cares about them and to remind them they are not and will not be forgotten.
So for a while I, am going to be posting a series of blog posts. Check back daily and I’ll share with you why homelessness matters to me; why THEY matter to me. I’ll explain where this all began for me and will attempt to put into words and share with you the vision I have for the homeless in this city. I’ll post daily of different things showcasing things that I’ve experienced first hand, such as the misconceptions and needs of homelessness. If you have questions or comments please ask them and I’ll be more than happy to answer them.
I am overwhelmed at all that I’ve experienced recently and am still digesting what to do with it all. But the one thing I do know and am very sure of is that my heart and soul have been completely captured by a need so great – that looking crazy to others or not, I have no other choice but to respond.
As I had felt in my spirit it would, this weekend marked the beginning of an incredible journey for me and I invite you to take it with me, or at least follow along. My heart is full and I have much to share.
Psalm 34:17-18
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.Matthew 25:35-36 35
I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.
anthony, i can’t wait to read more…we’ve been praying for you guys all weekend
Hey Anthony – I thought about you and your ministry last night. Our church is doing a community-wide Service Project (an outreach mission) called Feeding the 5,000. This will take place in January. Basically what it is, we as a church body are raising at least $75,000 which will then be put into $15 gift cards to be passed out to individuals in our community. I thought of you and your ministry and thought it might be a good way to partner together. That’s really all the information I’ve got, but if you’re interested, you could call the church office (Northside Baptist Church 791-6053) and talk with Mike Morley, Associate Pastor.
I’m glad to see you made it through a cold weekend!
i have ministered at your church with friends but i go to rock church and i love you both it is truly an amazing thing to give yourself to help other there is no dollar on that no judgment and when you leave your post you are all smiles …..i wanted to share i volunteered in the pantry at rock thursday i was able to feed a dear frined of mine family who did not have anyfood because they have a 8 dollar income only coming in and holy spirit blessed my home with a box of food because i am disabled and bills are piled up and that box saved me money so i can pay 1 more bill… i have always helped everyone before i became disabled from a car accident always gave to the poor always helped people who do drugs to rid from it includes my brother but now i love to help others even though my disabilities can allow about an hour or so before i feel it but the days i do help i am on cloud nine…..i am a child of god and proud of it..may your church have a blessed afternoon..pastor chen is fantastic….
Sarah – Thank you. Your prayers are so appreciated. Thanks for following this journey. Your support means a lot.
Elisha – Thanks! Rachel or I will definitely give him a call and see how we can partner up. That sounds awesome!
I prayed for your safety all weekend. I can’t wait to hear your story. You inspire me, bud. Let’s get that vision in motion. It’s no coincidence that HWC has the skill represented in it that it does.
I’m so happy to see what’s going on in your life, and I can’t wait to see where God takes you! I wish more people would make radical steps like you and Matt did this weekend. What an awesome way to make God known!