Memories that stay bright...

I will never forget a cold rainy night in December. I had been getting nudges from FATHER to go out and serve the homeless for several weeks. I had decided several days earlier that this Thursday I would go. But now it was Wednesday night and it was cold and rainy. Who would possibly be out feeding the homeless on such a cold day? How could you even keep the food dry and warm? Surely this would be canceled on this inclement day. So I went to bed thinking, not tomorrow – at least not unless it quits raining – BRRR. I don’t even see a point in setting the alarm for 4AM.
Well the next morning at 4AM I was shook awake by FATHER. I found my eyes wide open - Suddenly fully conscious, but cozy in my warm dry bed. And I could hear the rain outside – and feel the cold through the walls. But the voice kept pushing me to get up. I got up complaining inwardly, and slowly got dressed – but knowing I must keep my promise to JESUS- and go out to the homeless breakfast.
I was not disappointed – when I arrived at HPC cooking shed – there were people there – lights on and breakfast was already in the pot being stirred – at 5:15AM. I immediately felt in step and was handed a spoon and asked to help stir. Meanwhile, GOD turned the rain into snow – and rewarded us with a beautiful white snow covered day I will always remember.
At “NO PLACE” there are many different ways you can serve – and many different time schedules each Thursday. Cooking and packing runs from 5AM to 6:30AM and includes lots of great fellowship with some very fine and happy people. From 7AM to around 8:30AM you can serve breakfast to the homeless at Roselawn Ave Dream center. You can also attend or participate in a Bible study segment from around 8am to 8:30am. Still another option is to “roam” with part of the group that takes food out to the levee and other parts of town finding and serving those who for whatever reason don’t come to the Roselawn breakfast. Some people find themselves filling plates and pouring coffee – others helping folks find a clean change of clothes in our “street shop”. Still others mingle with the crowd of homeless people – lending an ear, listening to their story. Many of these people have “no place” and “no one”. Most have no place and no spouse to come home to.

This past Thursday (8/13/09) I talked to several men – one from Kansas, another from Mississippi and of course several from Baton Rouge. They were so happy to get a solid meal – and I think just as happy to see that someone cared enough to cook, serve, and listen to their story. Although most of the day was good, I think the two things I remember most would be:
· Standing on the levee with a group of 20 or so people. A man who calls himself “Hammer” and who hails from Arkansas walked up to me and asked if he could sing and pray with us. We all joined hands and Hammer sang a brief and beautiful song about Jesus and then lifted up an inspiring prayer for all to hear. Hammer was so happy to be able to share his spirit with us – and when you see a man like this thank the LORD with all his heart for blessing him in so many ways it really melts your heart.
· Later that morning while roaming the streets we noticed a person huddled under an umbrella under the interstate. We stopped to feed several other men a block or so away. I took a bottle of cold water and a plate of grits down to the person who was alone a block or so away. When I offered the breakfast – there was surprise and maybe even a brief moment of fear? She at first rejected the breakfast – but apparently saw/heard something that moved her heart, because she began to smile, accepted the breakfast and a few words about Jesus. When I left, she was hungrily enjoying her hot grits and cold water. Her battery was recharged by such a simple jester.

Psalm 34:10 “Even strong lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.”

I think some of us sometimes get “needs and wants” mixed up. I think seeing the homeless and downtrodden enjoy even the simplest of meals helps us keep things in the right perspective. It can inspire us to be thankful for what we have and more and more anxious to share with the world.

David V.
8/19/09