Last night was a success. Our stash included granola bars galore, hot chocolate, City Suds laundry cards, socks, soap, a few blankets, and miscellaneous clothing. This time we actually were able to pass out almost everything we had and we came home empty-handed really minus a few bottles of water. We hit up two locations and we were able to interact with quite a few people. Thanks to everyone who gave resources and time for last night. Your generosity really helped to love people.
In conversation last night, Ann mentioned that it was in her heart to be a group that does not simply enable a lifestyle of homelessness by doing the work that we do, but to rather be a group that learns to partner with other organizations and help the bigger picture of transformed lives occur. This certainly resonates in my heart. As we have always said, let's never stop passing out food and water and helping to keep the homeless warm during the Winter and all. That is necessary. But let's keep our eyes on the bigger picture of learning to be a community of people that helps others move off of the streets and find healing and health.
Meeting at 5pm on April's Fourth Sunday:
In light of that conversation, we collectively decided to meet on April 22nd at 5pm at Carrows (they care) in order to discuss some of this focus and also plan events for the Summer and possibly even Fall. I am sure we will touch on how to tap into different resources also. So keep that date on your calendar and bring your ideas to the table so that we can dialogue and maybe begin to actualize some of them. Yee-haa. Be on the look-out for more details.
For those of us who pray, a few prayer requests from last night:
1. Curtis' knee is feeling a bit better. He needs wisdom on whether to move on from Sacramento or not.
2. James needs prayer for a sound mind and strength.
3. Renee is struggling with alcoholism.
4. Other...... (add in comment)
By the way, is it a dis to post prayer requests? I feel okay about it, but any feedback is welcome because I don't want to cross the line. I figure that when it comes to some of these folks, they were transparent with me and others close by and they need prayer in a big way. In no way would I want to violate confidentiality, but rather bolster prayer and support where needed. Let me know what you think.
Since we did not take photos of our outing last night, here are two of Dan and Tyson on a snow-shoeing trip two days ago. This was the interior of a railroad cavern at Donner Pass.
1 comment:
Awesome to hear it went well. I really have put thought into not wanting to enable the life style of the homeless.
Learning to work with others to reform lives is the key. Working together for the common good of people created in Gods image.
I really feel alot of these people just need to be loved to fully begin to change how they percive themselves and sock and gloves is loving them big time.
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