Last Night

Had an eventful night last night.

We loaded up the truck with six beds for Angels of Mercy and headed down to feed the homeless under the bridge. Grace's Tuesday night bible study group brought the meal. We served and then headed over to AOM to set up their beds.

I have been serving the homeless under the bridge for about 4 years. Last night was as good as it gets. There is feeding the homeless and then there is feeding the homeless. I have observed some groups go down, serve a quick meal with their heads down and then leave. Nice thing to do. They are hungry and it is a good thing to feed them. But they are also hungry for some other things. Last night they were fed a physical meal and a spiritual meal.

I could tell several stories from just last night alone. I will tell just one now and maybe I will post on some of the others at another time. It was an amazing night.

I met a guy nick-named 6-8 because he is...6'8" tall. Hard to miss him. When we arrived, there were about 35 people lined up for a meal. As we set up to prepare to serve, 6-8 unhesitatingly jumped in and started serving with us, passing out soft-drinks, asking each person what they preferred. He waited until everyone was served before eating himself. After everyone was served, many of the homeless hung around, including 6-8. He stood with a group of Grace people talking, telling his story, joking around, and just conversing. In just one evening, he was more genuine and transparent than I have seen in many church house groups. The Grace folks were not preaching to him, they were just showing him love, offering conversation and companionship, and giving words of encouragement.

Life on the streets is a lonely, violent, deceitful, debasing one. 6-8 recognized the contrast. He chose sides and basked in light and love for a brief hour. Times like that are extremely rare for the homeless.

Grace and peace to you 6-8. Thank you Grace Tuesday night women's group.

PS: 6-8 needs some size 14 shoes