"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
~Col 3:17~
The last day on site at camp, we worked at a community kitchen feeding the homeless. I think every cold cup of water I handed out echoed verses of scripture in my ears.
For some in our group, it brought painful memories. One girl had been adopted & she remembered being in shelters like this. She stood strong as served them everyone, and then just broke into tears. But just look how God has restored her! Placed her & her brother in a home with loving parents & other siblings.
It was so humbling & heart breaking to watch men get plates of food out of the trash, & pack food into bags to sneak out just so they could have something to eat later.
We sat & visited with those we were so honored to serve lunch to. We listened to their stories . . .
Donald worked for Bama food company for 15 years until they closed the plant. Then, unemployed & unable to afford his medication, he suffered with uncontrolled schizophrenia. He now receives shots once a month to help the symptoms & a lady has graciously agreed to let him sleep in her spare room. He is excited to have a roof over his head & dreams of the day he will have a place of his own. We got to sing happy birthday to him! He had no other family to celebrate with. . . .
Willie was a blessed soul to talk to! He had surgery on his hip & leg and struggles to get around. He has a place to live but can't afford food. So he walks 2 blocks in the heat to have 1good meal a day. He was the most joyful person I've ever met, praising God every breath. He spoke with wisdom, knew the scripture, and grieved for past mistakes that landed him in jail. He has 2 grown kids he has good relationships with. He was so gracious & grateful. . .
James was not much younger than me. He has 4 children, 3 boys from 13 down to 2, & a little girl 1. Says he sees them every day. His eyes were blood shot, and I suspect he struggles with drug dependence. From our conversation, I'm not sure he has ever worked steady. I'm ashamed to admit at first, I wanted to choose someone else to serve, but just felt God leading my spirit to him. I almost missed a great blessing. Beyond the rough outward appearance was a gentle giant. His spirit was mild & tender, his smile warm & welcome. He looked at me & said,"I'm not a bad person, just a in-between-person". I thought in that moment how many times I've been "in-between" where God wants me & where I fight to have my own way? I wonder if this is the only life he has ever known? Did anyone ever care to tell him God has a better plan for his life? I desperately wanted to share the gospel with him in bold letters & wave my banner like the calvery to save this young man! Yet, God restrained me to just befriend him with love, without judgement; just to serve him a cold cup of water & a meal; just to treat him like Jesus would. I let him know I'd be happy to pray with him before he left, but all he left with that day was warm meal & a smile. God knows, only God knows what that man needed at that very moment. Hope I get to hear the rest of his story in heaven one day. . .
The Bible says some plant, some get to water, but God gives the increase. Which task has He given you today? Which blessing is He allowing you the opportunity to share?
"knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free."
~Eph 6:8~
