Last weekend we witnessed the most drama concerning our residents since I’ve been here. More than a handful of guys made major mistakes and broke rules, mostly independent of each other. Some gave in to old addictions. One, fresh off receiving forgiveness and mercy regarding a previous rules violation, broke the exact same rule again.
All this drama in one weekend weighed very heavily on those of us who have grown to love these guys. As a result of their actions, I’ve experienced feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, disappointment, and helplessness. I guess part of what made it hard is that most of these guys seemed to be doing pretty well.
This has helped me to realize how truly fragile and volatile the majority of these guys and their situations are. The fact that they live here at Jeff. St. means they almost surely have a history of substance abuse and mental illness. Even when these issues are not obvious, they are still a powerful reality. A reality that is not easily overcome.
I’ve also come to think of my relationships with these guys in contrast to my relationship with God. I’m on level ground with these guys – we’re all sinful people. In contrast, God and I are as far from equal as possible. He is holy and perfect. So if I, as a sinner, can be this disappointed, and frustrated, and upset about these other sinners’ actions, how much more offensive must my sins be to a holy God? But in view of my sin’s great offense, how deep is the Father’s love, mercy, grace, and patience towards me? My goal is to live out these same qualities towards others.
December 21, 2008
December 14, 2008
an average week
My teammates, Lindsey and Matt, and I have been talking about how our days and weeks seem to run together. We’ve been serving here at Jeff. St. for over 3 months now. In some ways, every day is unique. But in another sense, our lives are very much programmed and cyclical. The repetition of the same activities over and over makes it hard to distinguish one week from another. As a result, I’ve felt like I’ve been in somewhat of a rut lately. Because I find it hard to come up with exceptional happenings, I’ve felt like things weren’t going all that great. I’ve felt like maybe I wasn’t doing what I ought to be doing.
But recently Matt made the wise observation that in comparison to other periods of our lives, even an average week here is pretty remarkable. Maybe I’ve forgotten what my “normal” life is often like. Most of my life, I’ve not been much of a servant. Most of my life, I’ve found it difficult to be a witness on a daily basis. Most of my life, I’ve known I should be doing more, but have not been sure how to go about it.
Since moving into the homeless shelter at Jeff. St., I’ve had the opportunity to serve hundreds of needy people every week. Every week, I have numerous meaningful and God-ordained conversations with these people. Every week, I am a part of a unique community of fascinating guys. Every week, I’m blessed to interact and serve alongside my wonderful teammates and the other Jeff. St. staff. Every week, by His grace, God uses me as His witness and ambassador.
It is truly by God’s grace that I am what I am (1 Corinthians 15:10). It is by His grace that I have the opportunities that I have. It is by His grace and equipping that I do not flub up ever single one of those opportunities. I give God the glory for any good that comes of the ministry He’s given me. I’m so thankful that He’s chosen to give me the opportunity to serve the needy here at Jeff. St. I’m so thankful for another average week.
**FYI: I've got some new Jeff. St. photos up on www.picasaweb.google.com/kerrylspencer. Enjoy!**
But recently Matt made the wise observation that in comparison to other periods of our lives, even an average week here is pretty remarkable. Maybe I’ve forgotten what my “normal” life is often like. Most of my life, I’ve not been much of a servant. Most of my life, I’ve found it difficult to be a witness on a daily basis. Most of my life, I’ve known I should be doing more, but have not been sure how to go about it.
Since moving into the homeless shelter at Jeff. St., I’ve had the opportunity to serve hundreds of needy people every week. Every week, I have numerous meaningful and God-ordained conversations with these people. Every week, I am a part of a unique community of fascinating guys. Every week, I’m blessed to interact and serve alongside my wonderful teammates and the other Jeff. St. staff. Every week, by His grace, God uses me as His witness and ambassador.
It is truly by God’s grace that I am what I am (1 Corinthians 15:10). It is by His grace that I have the opportunities that I have. It is by His grace and equipping that I do not flub up ever single one of those opportunities. I give God the glory for any good that comes of the ministry He’s given me. I’m so thankful that He’s chosen to give me the opportunity to serve the needy here at Jeff. St. I’m so thankful for another average week.
**FYI: I've got some new Jeff. St. photos up on www.picasaweb.google.com/kerrylspencer. Enjoy!**
December 9, 2008
Peace on Earth is a BIG Deal!
Yesterday I had one of those experiences that helps to broaden your worldview. After a great Sunday worship service, several of us decided to try a little hole-in-the-wall Mediterranean place for lunch. Though I’d simply hoped for a tasty gyro and some good fellowship, we all received so much more. The experience didn’t start out so well as there were eight of us and one solitary guy, Abdul, playing the roles of owner, cook, server, and cashier. Possibly feeling a little overwhelmed, as he had other customers as well, Abdul was at the very least unpleasant, if not grumpy. While we were deciding on what to order, I asked where he was from since the décor and his visage indicated he was not American. He told me he was from Palestine. Interesting, I thought. As we waited on the food and discussed Abdul’s bad attitude I made the comment to someone, “You’d be grumpy too if you were a Palestinian.” It was mostly a joke. But I had no idea.
After a great meal, we stacked the dishes and took them back to the kitchen as a kind gesture for our overworked server. Soon after that he came out to chat with us. Somehow, Abdul’s attitude had changed. He asked us where we went to church, where we were from, and how we knew each other. We asked him about his religion (let’s call him a nominal Muslim), his family, and other details of his interesting life. He did most of the talking. He had a lot to say, and a lot to teach young, spoiled Americans like us.
At the age of 6, Abdul began training to be a soldier. In his words, he was being “raised to be a terrorist.” At age 9, he made his first kill. A tank was turning its turret toward his home, so he ran up to the second floor and threw a grenade into the tank’s open hatch, thus saving his family. He asked us what we were doing when we were 6 and 9. Among other things I remember playing with toy guns, knives, and G.I. Joe’s - playing war. He was living war. By sharing his story, Abdul helped us to understand how people might be led to perform terrorist acts (Though not justifying them, for he made clear that he did not consider terrorists to be true Muslims.). He helped us to better appreciate the peaceful lives we’ve so often taken for granted. He helped us to see another perspective.
In the end, with typical Middle Eastern hospitality, Abdul served us free tea and dessert. But that was the least of the gifts our new friend had given us. I look forward to going back to visit with Abdul again. I hope to be able to share something with him as well.
After a great meal, we stacked the dishes and took them back to the kitchen as a kind gesture for our overworked server. Soon after that he came out to chat with us. Somehow, Abdul’s attitude had changed. He asked us where we went to church, where we were from, and how we knew each other. We asked him about his religion (let’s call him a nominal Muslim), his family, and other details of his interesting life. He did most of the talking. He had a lot to say, and a lot to teach young, spoiled Americans like us.
At the age of 6, Abdul began training to be a soldier. In his words, he was being “raised to be a terrorist.” At age 9, he made his first kill. A tank was turning its turret toward his home, so he ran up to the second floor and threw a grenade into the tank’s open hatch, thus saving his family. He asked us what we were doing when we were 6 and 9. Among other things I remember playing with toy guns, knives, and G.I. Joe’s - playing war. He was living war. By sharing his story, Abdul helped us to understand how people might be led to perform terrorist acts (Though not justifying them, for he made clear that he did not consider terrorists to be true Muslims.). He helped us to better appreciate the peaceful lives we’ve so often taken for granted. He helped us to see another perspective.
In the end, with typical Middle Eastern hospitality, Abdul served us free tea and dessert. But that was the least of the gifts our new friend had given us. I look forward to going back to visit with Abdul again. I hope to be able to share something with him as well.
December 1, 2008
December newsletter
Greetings friends and family!
Some ponderings on Thanksgiving:
Traditionally, for me, Thanksgiving has meant family, food, and football (in that order of importance). At our house, generally, the men sit around talking and watching football while the women make the preparations for the great feast in the kitchen. In time, the call is given, someone says the blessing, and the great feast commences. Turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and much more . . . we all get so stuffed that we have to put dessert on hold. We then fellowship and watch football a while longer until we find a little more room in our tummies for a sampling of the smorgasbord of desserts. Then the turkey coma ensues. I’ve always loved Thanksgiving because I love my family, I love food, and I love football (in that order).
I spent most of this Thanksgiving Day in a homeless shelter. In many ways, it seemed to be “just another day” for most of our guests. Coffee and cereal for breakfast. Many took showers as usual. Some napped with their heads resting on our cafeteria tables. Just another day . . . except for a big, traditional Thanksgiving meal for lunch. This was our way of trying to make the day special.
I thought a lot about why folks would come here, to Jeff. St., for Thanksgiving. I figure it’s because they don’t have anywhere else to go to enjoy family, food, and football. That saddens me.
On Thanksgiving Day I happened to be the teacher for our daily Bible study. At the end, I asked everyone what they were thankful for. One of our residents responded: “I’m glad I’m not homeless anymore.” Another added, “That God delivered me from drugs and alcohol.” I am not used to these types of responses. By the grace of God, I’ve lived a very privileged and protected life. Hearing testimonies of those who have traveled much more grueling roads has caused me to be thankful that I’ve been blessed with a fairly smooth journey thus far. The Lord has spared me so many trials and tribulations. I am thankful for that. But I am also thankful to serve a God who is a Rescuer, a Redeemer, and a Reconciler (Colossians 1:13-20) for those who struggle and stumble (which certainly includes me). He often allows trials and tribulations to show His love, power, and glory by delivering us from them.
Throughout the day, when asked what they were thankful for, a number of our Day Shelter guests answered, “I’m thankful for just another day of life.” So I’ve been thinking, maybe it is not such a bad thing that Thanksgiving was just another day for many of our guests. Because another day is another day. Each day is a blessing from the Lord. “This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).
Nonetheless, it is unfortunate and sad that some folks do not have a family to go to or a home in which to cook a Thanksgiving dinner. But I am very thankful to be a small part of a place that provides services for those folks, even on Thanksgiving Day. Jeff. St. is a place that tries to make “just another day” more manageable and enjoyable. But more than that, Jeff. St. is a group of people who tries to introduce struggling and stumbling people to the God who rescues, redeems, and reconciles. I am truly thankful to be a part of this ministry.
I hope that as we all progress through this Christmas season, we will first of all ponder what it is that we are celebrating – namely, the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. The incarnation of God. But secondly, I hope that we will ponder the plight of those for whom Christmas also will be “just another day.” I hope we will also all seek ways to make this Christmas more meaningful and enjoyable for them.
* Praise God for the staff and ministry of Jefferson Street Baptist Center.
* Praise God for each day that He gives us.
* Please pray for boldness and endurance as we seek to serve in word and deed with the love of Christ.
* Please pray for us to make each day more meaningful for those we serve.
As always, thanks so much for your prayers and support of our ministry here at Jeff. St. God has been so good to us. Merry Christmas!
Some ponderings on Thanksgiving:
Traditionally, for me, Thanksgiving has meant family, food, and football (in that order of importance). At our house, generally, the men sit around talking and watching football while the women make the preparations for the great feast in the kitchen. In time, the call is given, someone says the blessing, and the great feast commences. Turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and much more . . . we all get so stuffed that we have to put dessert on hold. We then fellowship and watch football a while longer until we find a little more room in our tummies for a sampling of the smorgasbord of desserts. Then the turkey coma ensues. I’ve always loved Thanksgiving because I love my family, I love food, and I love football (in that order).
I spent most of this Thanksgiving Day in a homeless shelter. In many ways, it seemed to be “just another day” for most of our guests. Coffee and cereal for breakfast. Many took showers as usual. Some napped with their heads resting on our cafeteria tables. Just another day . . . except for a big, traditional Thanksgiving meal for lunch. This was our way of trying to make the day special.
I thought a lot about why folks would come here, to Jeff. St., for Thanksgiving. I figure it’s because they don’t have anywhere else to go to enjoy family, food, and football. That saddens me.
On Thanksgiving Day I happened to be the teacher for our daily Bible study. At the end, I asked everyone what they were thankful for. One of our residents responded: “I’m glad I’m not homeless anymore.” Another added, “That God delivered me from drugs and alcohol.” I am not used to these types of responses. By the grace of God, I’ve lived a very privileged and protected life. Hearing testimonies of those who have traveled much more grueling roads has caused me to be thankful that I’ve been blessed with a fairly smooth journey thus far. The Lord has spared me so many trials and tribulations. I am thankful for that. But I am also thankful to serve a God who is a Rescuer, a Redeemer, and a Reconciler (Colossians 1:13-20) for those who struggle and stumble (which certainly includes me). He often allows trials and tribulations to show His love, power, and glory by delivering us from them.
Throughout the day, when asked what they were thankful for, a number of our Day Shelter guests answered, “I’m thankful for just another day of life.” So I’ve been thinking, maybe it is not such a bad thing that Thanksgiving was just another day for many of our guests. Because another day is another day. Each day is a blessing from the Lord. “This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).
Nonetheless, it is unfortunate and sad that some folks do not have a family to go to or a home in which to cook a Thanksgiving dinner. But I am very thankful to be a small part of a place that provides services for those folks, even on Thanksgiving Day. Jeff. St. is a place that tries to make “just another day” more manageable and enjoyable. But more than that, Jeff. St. is a group of people who tries to introduce struggling and stumbling people to the God who rescues, redeems, and reconciles. I am truly thankful to be a part of this ministry.
I hope that as we all progress through this Christmas season, we will first of all ponder what it is that we are celebrating – namely, the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. The incarnation of God. But secondly, I hope that we will ponder the plight of those for whom Christmas also will be “just another day.” I hope we will also all seek ways to make this Christmas more meaningful and enjoyable for them.
* Praise God for the staff and ministry of Jefferson Street Baptist Center.
* Praise God for each day that He gives us.
* Please pray for boldness and endurance as we seek to serve in word and deed with the love of Christ.
* Please pray for us to make each day more meaningful for those we serve.
As always, thanks so much for your prayers and support of our ministry here at Jeff. St. God has been so good to us. Merry Christmas!
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