HOPE for the HOMELESS

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothed you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:35-40 NIV)

The year 2020 was a year unlike any other. It was a time of managing civil unrest, a global pandemic, political tensions, and massive loss of various kinds. Yet, in the midst of the challenging times, God’s faithfulness could always be found. Not only was God faithful to me in such unprecedented times, He was faithful through me.

While the Covid-19 pandemic consumed the world and filled our everyday lives with uncertainty, it also presented great opportunities for service. Even though many were still thriving during the down turn, there were others that were barely surviving. There were people who loss their health, their hope, as well as their homes. And in the throes of a pandemic, a God-inspired passion to serve the homeless was born.

It was Labor Day weekend when my journey of serving the homeless began. It was my first time handing out a “Blessing bag,” as well as, having an up close encounter with a homeless person. At first, I was nervous and it felt as though I was trespassing. However, those feelings quickly dissipated as I stepped out in obedience and embraced the opportunity to be used by God.

It’s been several months now since I’ve been serving my homeless brothers and sisters, and the outcome has been soul satisfying. I have met various people who have been humbled by life and yet still loved by God. Some have shared their stories, while others have shared some of the most heart-felt sentiments. I’ve often wondered if the mission of serving these precious people is about me being a blessing to them or them being a blessing to me through their gratefulness. Perhaps this is what Acts 20:35 speaks about when it says, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Now 2021 is finally here, and I must say that I’m excited about the New Year and the new assignment God has entrusted me with. I am also thankful for my coworkers, family, and friends who have supported me with such a task by donating their time, prayers, and resources.

The response has been amazing!

Serving the homeless has been both an honor and a privilege. Therefore, I hope my story will inspire you to serve mankind in some capacity as well. There awaits plenty of opportunities to serve in both the community and the world. There is someone who desperately needs your care and assistance in these trying and tumultuous times. I encourage you to pray and ask God to reveal to you how He may use your time, talents, and resources to share His love and bring hope to others.

All of heaven will be glad you did.   

Lord, use me to be your hands and feet in this hour. Help me to be obedient at all times so that you may use me to do your will and be a beacon of light in a dark and dying world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.