Some of my friends have given me some jabs because I’m 30 and I’ve recently been on Spring Break . . . as if we are supposed to outgrow Spring Break. Well as they say, 30 is the new 20.
But I have put some thought into the idea that Spring Break is a special privilege. Many professionals don’t have the luxury of a Spring Break. But closer to home, in our Jeff. Street context, there is no Spring Break from homelessness. There are no funds to travel wherever one fancies. For many there is no loving and welcoming family to return to. There is simply no time off. Homelessness is relentless.
Taking showers with strangers in shelters. Walking everywhere in all conditions. Having to rely on handouts for food. Enduring hours of utter boredom. Worrying about theft, violence, and rape. Worrying about the future, if able to think beyond today. Life on the streets is both physically and emotionally draining. It is degrading and dehumanizing. And I thought I needed a break.
So it’s true after all, I really am fortunate to have a Spring Break as a 30-year-old. And even more than that, I’m blessed to have a fulfilling pursuit from which to take a break and a stable lifestyle to which I can return.
March 30, 2009
March 9, 2009
While we have Opportunity
Sam is moving out in the next couple days. He is one of my best friends among the residents. I’ve shared in the past that a resident leaving us brings mixed emotions. Granted, I would not really like for any of my friends to live the rest of their life here at Jeff. Street. It’s a good place, but the idea is that we help people to move on to something better. So I’m sad that Sam is moving out, but I’m happy that he has the opportunity to get his own place. Fortunately we now have the type of relationship that I can call him up and continue to hang out, go to church, and stay connected.
Probably the biggest struggle I’m having is the nagging question, “Have I made the most of my time with Sam?” I must honestly answer “no,” but isn’t that nearly always the case. Certainly we have built a relationship. For a while now we’ve tried to do a weekly Bible study together. Sam went to church with us a couple times. We had many chats over dinner down in the cafeteria. We are friends.
But despite all this, I ask myself, “How much did I challenge him? How much did I encourage him? How much did I show Sam God’s love and share with him God’s truth?” My answer is, simply, “not enough.” Some of you may think I’m being too hard on myself, but I know I’ve missed opportunities with Sam and others.
We all need to heed Paul’s words, “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:10). Because every opportunity eventually runs out.
Probably the biggest struggle I’m having is the nagging question, “Have I made the most of my time with Sam?” I must honestly answer “no,” but isn’t that nearly always the case. Certainly we have built a relationship. For a while now we’ve tried to do a weekly Bible study together. Sam went to church with us a couple times. We had many chats over dinner down in the cafeteria. We are friends.
But despite all this, I ask myself, “How much did I challenge him? How much did I encourage him? How much did I show Sam God’s love and share with him God’s truth?” My answer is, simply, “not enough.” Some of you may think I’m being too hard on myself, but I know I’ve missed opportunities with Sam and others.
We all need to heed Paul’s words, “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:10). Because every opportunity eventually runs out.
March 1, 2009
March newsletter
Greetings friends and family!
My homeless friend, Ernest, is an atheist. He’s the type of atheist who is quite proud of his sophisticated, scientific worldview. He denies all things supernatural, including God. I would also say he is one the more intelligent of our Day Shelter guests. Although he earned more college credits than I did, he never actually received a degree. He is also very well read on the topic of religion, claiming to have read over 300 books on the subject. Nearly every time he comes in, I ask him what he’s been reading. Most of it is stuff I’d be far too intimidated to read, so I just raise my eyebrows, nod my head, and say, “Interesting.” Despite our differences, we’ve had some good discussions about God, faith, and life.
A few months ago, Ernest promised me that he would go to church with us sometime. Why? I’m not sure. I’d occasionally remind him of his promise but I didn’t really expect him to follow through. Then one Sunday, I was pleasantly surprised. Ernest went to church and afterwards claimed to have had a pleasant experience. During our half-hour walk to and from church, Ernest and I had good conversation about his belief in science - my faith in God, his drunkenness - my abstinence, his brief stint as a professional wrestler (yeah, really) - my time as a missionary in Africa, and much more. Although it is hard for us to find common ground, we are each interested in the other’s perspectives. We are definitely an odd couple, yet we get along well.
I continued to wonder what would cause a staunch atheist to go to church. Maybe he wanted to better understand where I was coming from? But he has a church background himself. Perhaps he wanted to find some more reasons to reject our faith? It seems he has plenty of reasons already. Recently I decided simply to ask Ernest, “Why would an atheist like you go to church with a guy like me?” In his typically clever wit he responded, “A better question is ‘why do so many Christians NOT go to church?’” (Touché.) But then, he said more sincerely and matter-of-factly, “I went because you asked me.”
It seems that Ernest went to church simply because we have a relationship. A relationship built on little common ground besides a mutual respect for each other, even a love for each other. More than a couple times Ernest has told me he loves me. At first, I thought maybe he was just being silly or he’d had too much to drink. But more and more I believe he is sincere. It is becoming clear to me that this love and respect is the key to our relationship.
Despite our pleasant relationship, Ernest’s lack of faith in God troubles me. I worry about him. He seems so firm in his beliefs (and doubts) that it will take a miracle from God to change his mind. So that is what I’m praying for.
************************************************************************************
This month I will mark my 6th month of service here at Jeff St. I can honestly say it has been a very challenging but wonderful experience thus far. The work can often be mentally and physically draining. I generally feel inadequate for the job. Nevertheless, I know that I am growing and learning a lot. My teammates and the Jeff. St. staff are great role models and have become great friends. The Lord is using them in my life and I feel that He is using me in the lives of our residents and Day Shelter guests.
Thus the second half of my 1-year commitment remains. I pray that the Lord will continue to teach me, grow me, and use me. I pray that he will give me the endurance, wisdom, boldness, and LOVE necessary for the work. Even more than all that, I pray that he will work in the hearts and lives of those to whom we are ministering. I covet your prayers for these requests as well.
Thanks again for all the prayers you’ve lifted up on my behalf and on behalf of my homeless friends. Thanks also to all of you who are making this year of service possible through your financial support. I am truly been blessed by your generosity. God bless!
My homeless friend, Ernest, is an atheist. He’s the type of atheist who is quite proud of his sophisticated, scientific worldview. He denies all things supernatural, including God. I would also say he is one the more intelligent of our Day Shelter guests. Although he earned more college credits than I did, he never actually received a degree. He is also very well read on the topic of religion, claiming to have read over 300 books on the subject. Nearly every time he comes in, I ask him what he’s been reading. Most of it is stuff I’d be far too intimidated to read, so I just raise my eyebrows, nod my head, and say, “Interesting.” Despite our differences, we’ve had some good discussions about God, faith, and life.
A few months ago, Ernest promised me that he would go to church with us sometime. Why? I’m not sure. I’d occasionally remind him of his promise but I didn’t really expect him to follow through. Then one Sunday, I was pleasantly surprised. Ernest went to church and afterwards claimed to have had a pleasant experience. During our half-hour walk to and from church, Ernest and I had good conversation about his belief in science - my faith in God, his drunkenness - my abstinence, his brief stint as a professional wrestler (yeah, really) - my time as a missionary in Africa, and much more. Although it is hard for us to find common ground, we are each interested in the other’s perspectives. We are definitely an odd couple, yet we get along well.
I continued to wonder what would cause a staunch atheist to go to church. Maybe he wanted to better understand where I was coming from? But he has a church background himself. Perhaps he wanted to find some more reasons to reject our faith? It seems he has plenty of reasons already. Recently I decided simply to ask Ernest, “Why would an atheist like you go to church with a guy like me?” In his typically clever wit he responded, “A better question is ‘why do so many Christians NOT go to church?’” (Touché.) But then, he said more sincerely and matter-of-factly, “I went because you asked me.”
It seems that Ernest went to church simply because we have a relationship. A relationship built on little common ground besides a mutual respect for each other, even a love for each other. More than a couple times Ernest has told me he loves me. At first, I thought maybe he was just being silly or he’d had too much to drink. But more and more I believe he is sincere. It is becoming clear to me that this love and respect is the key to our relationship.
Despite our pleasant relationship, Ernest’s lack of faith in God troubles me. I worry about him. He seems so firm in his beliefs (and doubts) that it will take a miracle from God to change his mind. So that is what I’m praying for.
************************************************************************************
This month I will mark my 6th month of service here at Jeff St. I can honestly say it has been a very challenging but wonderful experience thus far. The work can often be mentally and physically draining. I generally feel inadequate for the job. Nevertheless, I know that I am growing and learning a lot. My teammates and the Jeff. St. staff are great role models and have become great friends. The Lord is using them in my life and I feel that He is using me in the lives of our residents and Day Shelter guests.
Thus the second half of my 1-year commitment remains. I pray that the Lord will continue to teach me, grow me, and use me. I pray that he will give me the endurance, wisdom, boldness, and LOVE necessary for the work. Even more than all that, I pray that he will work in the hearts and lives of those to whom we are ministering. I covet your prayers for these requests as well.
Thanks again for all the prayers you’ve lifted up on my behalf and on behalf of my homeless friends. Thanks also to all of you who are making this year of service possible through your financial support. I am truly been blessed by your generosity. God bless!
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