"Wednesday Streets"

I had an awesome day on the streets of South Bend today. It started arriving on South Michigan St. to see a homeless man by the name of "Rick" who we found beat up in an alley a few months ago. He was picking through a trash can trying to find something to eat. I called him over and asked him if he wanted to join me for lunch at McDonald's a little later.

I was on my way into the South Bend Crossing Alternative School to see Jennifer, a student that I had the privledge of leading to Jesus on Monday. I was actually there to give her a bible that she could understand better because she was excited about starting to read HIS WORD!! Jennifer had told me on Monday how her grandma was the only one that had a realtionship with the Lord. Jennifer had told me how grandma always talked to her about getting a relationship with JESUS. She told me today that she told her grandma what had taken place and grandma just started crying. Jennifer told me that her grandma made the best fried chicken and that she made it for her after telling her about giving her life to Jesus. She said that before they started to eat the chicken grandma said that she was going to pray. Jennifer said that she knew with grandma's excitement that she was going to pray for a long time. Jennifer said that she had to stop her and tell her that she was hungry and wanted to eat. What a blessing!!!

I spent some time with the kids and then headed for McDonalds. On the way I ran across Buddy and Steve, two other homeless guys that I have been able to start building a relationship with. I also invited them to lunch with us. Buddy and Steve did not want to stay inside to eat because they had their shopping cart which was full of all the scrap items they had collected today and also all their belongings. Buddy and Steve stay in an abandoned house down off of S. Michigan St. with no heat. Last Thursday I ran across them when it was so cold and was able to give them our last sleeping bag and a couple of pies, water, and some other snacks. These two are always so respectful and thankful for whatever we give them. Rick and I sat down for lunch and I started to ask him questions about his life. He has been homeless in South Bend for 1 1/2 years. I told him that it was no coinsidence that we had crossed paths so many times. I told him that the Lord was knocking at the door and asked him if he was going to answer it. He started to tear up and said that he knew he needed to change his life. He talked about his mom and how he was tearing her up. He has been living in an abandoned van with the fear of making sure to wake up early enough so that he does not get caught in it when the business owners arrive each morning. Rick is 37 years old and I told him that I was 37 when I gave up the alcohol and drugs. He said it was time after us talking for close to an hour. I am suppose to meet him again tomorrow then take him to Servants of the Streets for rehab. Please pray that Rick will follow through and get some much needed help.

I also ran into "Mary Ann", a lady that has very little. She lives in an apartment and never accepts anything from us other than what she needs. Today she pulled me aside and told me that she was going into the hospital for surgery and would be out just before Thanksgiving. She asked if I would be sure that she got a Thanksgiving basket. I told her that I would make sure it was taken care of. If anyone is interested in taking this on it would be very helpful.

The day was finished up with a meeting concerning the purchase of a building that we would be partnering up with Servants of the Streets to start a soup kitchen. We hope that this comes together for a grand opening on Christmas Day.