Words From a First Time Volunteer

I have worked downtown for the last 15 years and have been running on the levee for the last 6-7 years. I started talking to Phil and Marlene (the king and queen of the homeless community downtown) and got to know them and others (Sandra) pretty well. I followed their ups and downs, what they feared, their good times and their way of life. It never failed to break my heart after talking to them. I tried to help, but, how do you help someone who has decided that living in an abandoned septic tank is what they want? I recently went thru a very trying and negative professional experience. Shortly after, I was down on the levee and went to visit with Phil and Marlene. They had heard about my problems and asked if I was ok. Can you imagine? I told them that I had my wife, kids, health and faith and that things could certainly be worse, I could be living on the river. I said it before I thought about who I was talking to, a very insensitive comment. Well, Marlene, said "What are you talking about Tommy, we aren't the ones who were in the newspaper?". In any event, they will tell you that they like their lifestyle, but, I think they really can’t if truth be told, but, have convinced themselves it is a hassle free life.

Marlene told me that the best thing that anyone does for them is the breakfast program from Healing Place Church. I had tried giving them jobs, food, coupons, clothes etc., but they really dig the breakfast. I mentioned the church to my friend Chad Dudley, who referred me to his friend Kiva who gave me Pastor Craig's info. I met Craig at coffee and he and I hit it off pretty quickly, I had just cut all my hair off and he being a former hairdresser seemed perplexed by that, plus he likes to fish. He told me to be there at 7 on Thursday.

I showed up at Roselawn at 7 last Thursday, the first person I met was Jerry who has a great sense of humor. Then I met Jordan, Julie and then Frank and then Pastor Craig showed up to join us. We fed between 40-50 folks there at Roselawn and I had the opportunity to talk to several of them. Interesting people, some nice, some gruff, but all very appreciative of a good breakfast and a kind word. After a short Bible study, we loaded up and I rode with Frank to do the "roaming". We fed folks at the levee, where Phil and Marlene were surprised to see me, Sandra near Govt. St. and approximately 25 folks under the new North Blvd. overpass.

The most heartbreaking experience of the day was seeing a lady who had obviously been severely beaten and who was probably being pimped out. Some folks in our group succeeded in getting her to come with us and hopefully she got better medical care. It is a very thin line between helping these people and actively getting involved in their situations. It also appears to be a very thin line between being homeless and having a job, house, kids, wife and picket fence. There but for the grace of God goes me.

See you Thursday.

Tommy

November 12, 2009 - Awesome Outreach

Yesterday’s outreach was filled with many happenings. At Roselawn we fed the peeps, hung out and listened to their stories and loved on them. We found out that one of our regular ladies that had shown up without shoes and very odd clothing last week had been assaulted but insisted on coming to the breakfast anyway. What a privilege we had to have provided her with new clothes & shoes. We hadn’t known what she’d been through but she came to the outreach and we were able to show her Jesus.

We went roaming and were able to see most of our regular folks. At the overpass where the people had been told last week they’d have to leave. They were still there! They are up to around 20 people staying there, the number of homeless is growing. We found out that after they were featured on a local news cast they were being allowed to stay there until somewhere for them to go is found. Top that off by finding out the police actually brought them pizza!

We went to our last stop where we’ve been trying to help ladies who are prostitutes, we’ve seen several that have been beaten. That’s when our great God showed up in a big way. We had two special volunteers from Revelation House, Georgia and her daughter. While at this location one of the ladies Laura who Carole bonded with by complimenting her on her shoes helped another lady Brenda get out. Brenda was beaten severely, her eyes were so swollen she could hardly see, her jaw may be broken and she could barely stand. Georgia took her to stay with them. Please pray for Brenda that she heals physically, mentally and especially spiritually, pray that this is a turning point in her life. Also, keep Laura in your prayers, pray for her protection that she doesn’t get hurt for helping us.

It is amazing that when two or more are gathered in His name you never know what awesome things He will do. All the glory to God!