A "routine" taxi run

I came into work one morning knowing I had to take one of the shelter guys to MH/MR for an appointment. Before I knew it, two other gentlemen were joining us – one needing a ride to the bus station, and one just needing to talk.

As we started on the road it wasn't long before Brad (the one catching a bus) started sharing. He started out by saying how thankful he was for the mission. Brad works delivering trucks all over the country, and he was catching a bus back to Wichita, Kansas where he lives. He delivered a truck in the Lancaster area and then because of a mix-up and argument with his dispatcher, he missed his bus and needed a place to stay. Someone told him about the mission. He said he had a good meal, great musical chapel service and then a good sleep - mentioning how helpful everyone was. He actually said he was glad that he got stranded. He was reminded he needs to let the Lord have control of his life again. He could do nothing but give thanks and ended by giving thanks to God for a very inconvenient but wonderful change in his plans.

As Brad was talking, he started rubbing off on Mike, a blind man who is also very glad he came to the mission and is so thankful for the help he is receiving and is excited about the possibility of getting some part time work – he had an interview the next Monday.

Then as I began to talk with the 3rd passenger it was rather dreary - he also is stranded - from Ohio. Ron is at least temporarily disabled - from a September fall off a roof where he broke both ankles. He has pain as he walks. He had a chance at a temporary job, but a “friend” left him hanging. So here Ron is with no money, no way to make money and no friends who can send him money. I encouraged him to join the program and let God change the direction of his hopeless life. He is considering.

Finally, I got back to the mission and met a man who was born in Vietnam and had just gotten out of jail. He is also happy for the help he is getting here and was excited when he found out I knew his pastor here in Lancaster!

In the course of making a routine trip one morning, I ended up fellowshipping with:
a rejoicing man from Kansas who had his life pleasantly interrupted;
a rejoicing blind man who is glad to be off drugs in his right mind and with a plan;
a man from Ohio who suddenly found himself in a strange place and state and now has to consider which direction his life will take;
and a Vietnamese man whom I’ve never met before, but I know his pastor!

What an exciting place to work! I never know who I'll meet! God is on the move!!! Granted it isn't always so rewarding, although then I probably wouldn’t appreciate the unusual times.

-Chuck Albrecht, Chaplain