Me? Work with the homeless?

If someone had told me when I was younger that I would be working at a homeless shelter, I would have laughed at them. My dream was to be a history teacher. I never knew much about homeless people. I grew up in a middle class family. I remember helping our church when they went to the York Rescue Mission to serve meals and doing a chapel service. I remember thinking “those poor people.” However, I never really got to know them or talk to them. When I was 25 years old, I joined Brethren Volunteer Service, a volunteer organization in the Church of the Brethren. My first year assignment was at a homeless shelter in Fremont, CA as a case manager. What an eye opening experience for me!!!!

While there, I learned a lot about homelessness but more importantly I developed relationships with the men and women who stayed there. One woman, who was a resident, said to me one day, “you can become homeless!” That comment struck me in such a way that it made me think! She was right! I could lose it all because of choices or circumstances in my life. The homeless are people just like you or I. They have families. They have children. They have hopes and dreams. They go through problems. God knows how many hairs on their head like he does ours. God loves them like he loves me even when all of us make mistakes. God sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for anyone who believes in him (it doesn’t matter if your homeless or not!)

That year working in Fremont taught me a lot about homelessness but the people who were homeless taught me so much about life! Since I came back from that year, I have continued working with the homeless. I have tried to use that experience and my current experience to educate people whenever I can about people who are homeless. We aren’t different!

Matthew 25:40 “ …I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

- Mary Minnich, women’s counselor

Are you a Noun or an Adjective?

In the book of Acts, at the church in Antioch, “the disciples were first called Christians.” The noun “Christian” describes those who had devoted themselves to Christ. Jesus, and who they believed He was, directed and drove their lives.

How does that relate to the ministry of Rescue and Renewal that God works out through the various ministries of WSRM and specifically Outreach Ministries?

Well, the adjective “Christian” is often used to describe music, books, authors and TV programs, and generally, the “Christian” aspects of Outreach ministries that help set us apart from other groups attempting to do the same work. However, it is the noun, the person who God uses (Kerry, Jose, Ed, Pat, Bill, Lois, Jackie, Carl, Don, etc.) that should really set us apart from other agencies and organizations. The life I live with Christ, central to who I am, should dictate my thoughts, actions and motivations personally and programmatically.

Am I managing “Christian” (adjective) programs, hoping that the Gospel takes hold and lives are changed as a result?

Or, am I as a Christian, reflecting my Savior in the day-to-day, reflecting the hope, mercy and grace – challenging myself and those God allows to cross my path, with the reality of my Savior and the implications that holds for all life?

Father God, do not allow me to become comfortable in my faith or in my work, in my family or in Your Ministry. Constantly challenge me, wrestle with me as I struggle to articulate who Christ is to a world that does not know Him – and often denies Him – that I might continue to grow into the image of the Risen Savior and Your Name might be glorified throughout the earth

To God be the glory!
Amen

PS: Want to be challenged? My Book of the Month (maybe I can start a popular club like Oprah and get my books for free!) is Rob Bell’s “Velvet Elvis.” Articulate and challenging, this book has challenged my thought processes and convicted me of the sometimes shallowness of my faith (I KNOW that I am the only one who wrestles with that!). Pick it and be blessed – after you get past the uncomfortableness.

-Rick Rutter, Outreach Ministries Director

Blast from the past

A number of months ago, my wife and I took the girls to the pet store to look at the animals (that’s as close as we’ll get to a pet for a while – when you’ve still got three to potty train, you don’t really need a dog to mess with as well).

While looking at the hamsters, mice, and lizards, I heard a familiar voice. Elias came walking up from behind me and gave me a big hug. Elias was one of the kids I met early on in my time running the Youth Center, and I always felt he had great potential. But like many kids, he preferred to “flirt” with Jesus rather than really commit. He never got pulled into the “really” bad stuff that some of his friends did, but he had a bit of a temper and had a baby at a very young age. I wasn’t sure whether he would ever let go and truly follow Christ.

That night at the pet store, Elias caught me up on the last few years of his life. Short version: he is married with three kids, has a good job, a house, and most importantly – he has recommitted his life to Christ and is attending a strong, bible-teaching church. He is even involved in leadership of an outreach ministry of the church. He thanked me for the years at the youth center and assured me that even though it didn’t seem like it then, what we did and said and taught had a huge impact on him.

To be completely honest, I was ecstatic as I hugged Elias again and said goodbye that night, but a part of me wondered how much of his story was for real… he wouldn’t be the first kid to tell me what they think I want to hear rather than the truth. But it seemed real, and my heart felt that it was.

Two days ago, a gentleman from that church was visiting the mission, and we had a chance to talk. I asked if he knew Elias, and my heart leapt as he told me what an outstanding young man and leader Elias is becoming. Praise God.

Sometimes we see fruit in our ministry right away, sometimes we never do, and sometimes God blesses us with a blast from the past.

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven Director

Refuge...

“The world breaks us all and some become stronger at the broken places” (Ernest Hemmingway).

Here at the Water Street Rescue Mission, we are a refuge; “a source of help, relief, and comfort in times of trouble”. An endless stream of the humbled flow through our open doors and yet, our constant dilemma is finding those who are actually broken. Though we offer provision to the many, we can only genuinely aid the broken; they alone have what it takes to become stronger at their broken places.

Doug is one of the broken. After completely destroying his life and exhausting his available work-related rehab options, he somehow found his way to our doors. After nearly nine months of submitting to our precious Jesus, Doug’s life is being restored. His family is again opening their arms to him, his railroad career is miraculously being restored, and his sweet Afton (11 years old) is cautiously looking forward to being embraced by her genuinely loving daddy. Doug continues his quest for Christ-like vulnerability and accountability. Last evening, I accompanied Doug to an AA meeting. What a Joy it was to see a formerly hardened old railroader softly asking for, and offering, genuinely intimate fellowship. Doug is becoming stronger at his broken places.

Ron is embracing brokenness. A former missionary to Africa; his marriage gone; his parents recently deceased; Ron crawled through our doors. It has been no small struggle for him to overcome the shame accompanying once ministering for Christ and walking away for a synthetic high. Lately, Ron has been expanding his accountability; painstakingly removing lies and codependent ways of relating from his life. Yesterday, Ron came to discuss his plan for lovingly setting good boundaries in a formerly sick, long-term friendship. Ron is becoming stronger at his broken places.

Then there’s Don, who recently surrendered his life to our precious Jesus and who took a great risk of being transparent in one of yesterday’s classes. And there’s Paul Jay, who has stepped into intimacy with Christ, new friends, and with his Godly calling. And, last but not least, there’s Bill whose stated goal is to make people smile and thus “lift someone else above the emptiness of their unbearable life...” …more men becoming stronger at their broken places.

My days are full, at this refuge called the Water Street Rescue Mission. Being broken is a wonderful privilege, bestowed by our loving God on those He greatly loves. I, too, am becoming stronger at my broken places and daily pray that I will be changed into what I was created to be…


- Norm Lowry, Men's Ministry Intern

From all walks...

We play a little flag football at the Mission during the fall of each year. The park behind the Mission has an athletic field that is convenient. Once a week maybe 6 to 12 residents from the men’s program convene. We warm up, divide up teams, put on the flag belts, and go at it for about an hour of good-natured play. I serve as the ref. Occasionally a chaplain or other staff member will join in.

One day a fellow who appeared in his 40’s came to play. It was obvious he had played football in his day, but was now a bit rusty and creaky after a number of years off. On the receiving end of pass routes, he caught everything that came his way. He pulled a hamstring near the end of the game that set him down. After the game I told him, “It looks like you’ve played before.” He cracked an embarrassed smile and let on, “Yes, I’ve played.” His girlfriend chimed in, “He played in the NFL.” In fact, we learned that he played for a couple years for two teams.

It got me thinking… We see folks from all walks of life come through the Mission… and backgrounds that do not fit neatly into the stereotyped category of “homeless”: former successful careers, advanced degrees, loving/caring families, church-going upbringing. I am tempted to think about such fortunate folks that “if they can’t stay on the straight and narrow, then who can”. And, the answer I am reminded is that in fact no one can, not even the most blessed of backgrounds. It is God’s work to keep us in his care and draw us to himself.

The one common denominator of guests at our Mission is a need that only God can fill. We are trusting God to give us wisdom concerning the communication of His love, and the way if His Kingdom in the lives of the men, women and children who come through.

-Steve Gentino, CFO

Between a rock and a hard place

We had a tough meeting today. We were caught between the tension of having to do more with less and the program staff was feeling it. They were weary of trying to fill a schedule while short staffed, weary of the pressure to make a program happen, weary of the unrelenting demands of trying to love broken people. Just very weary.

And I, the facilitator of the meeting, didn’t have a clue of what to say nor did I know how to encourage the tired folks around me. So we sat and looked at each other for a bit. And then we sat for a bit more. Finally I said, “I have nothing to say but let’s remember what we are to be about.”

“God has called us here to come alongside homeless and broken down people. As far as we know He hasn’t changed His desire for us. So now – even though we are weary and tired and short staffed and not sure we can contribute anything of value – let’s seek Him by continuing to walk in the calling He has on our lives.”

And you know what happened? Nothing really! We had neither new perspective nor any profound wisdom following the meeting! But we did leave grateful for this reminder: the God of the universe uses tired and weary and messed up people – such as us – to minister! It truly is all about Him and His agenda!

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

- Steve Brubaker, Director of Residential Ministries

Things I have learned...

Two things have became clear to me.

• Many seek God’s blessing, but I was surprised to learn that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
• I also learned that legalism is obeying God so that He will bless; under grace we obey God because He has blessed us. I had discovered that I am to bless others with the blessing God blessed me.

Thinking of blessing in a general way does not seem to work for me; thinking specifically does.

• Since God loved me, I am to love others (1 John 4:10-11).
• Since God forgave me, I am to forgive others (Eph. 4:32).
• Since God has comforted me, I am to comfort others (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
• Since God has met my needs, I am to be generous (2 Cor. 9:8-11).

What a change in operation, to do based on what has been done, rather than to gain from God. Having learned these two things, my desire is to share them with others.

-Michael Haines, Chaplain

Brian

A few weeks ago, a young man named Brian Woolfolk, was killed on the streets of Philadelphia. Brian used to be a counselor for Teen Haven, and although he had his share of struggles, he recently recommitted his life to Christ, and had been getting together with Curtis Wayns, one of our counselors in Philly.

Curtis wrote the following tribute to his friend Brian:

Brian Dupree Davis-Woolfolk
Sunrise: October 23rd, 1986
Sunset: April 23rd, 2006

Brian, 19, was a true blessing to me, and I had the privilege of knowing and growing in Christ with him for 11 years. Brian accepted Christ as his personal savior at a young age, and was involved with Teen Haven in various ways, learning how to serve the Lord. He was an assistant supervisor, helping lead other youth to Christ, and trying his best to be a proper godly example in his life. He served in the kitchen at camp rubbing elbows with others while preparing food. He was one of my right hand men helping in the city ministry with clubs and activities, among other things.

Brian and I had a Paul and Timothy relationship, and his love for the Lord helped me in a lot of ways. We would go at it at times arguing, yelling, etc. Even when we had disagreements though, the Lord of course stepped in to mend and bond us closer to each other and to Him.

We always went at it in basketball, and after 10 years of trying, he finally beat me a couple of months ago. Score: Brian 32 Curt 18.

Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, gently closed the eyes of our beloved Brian, and I will always still feel his presence. I feel him saying, “Don’t be sad, I’m home now.”

Brian had a favorite spiritual he would hum at time, “If it had not been for the Lord, where would I be?” I echo that big time!

Through his many struggles, Brian persevered, and his favorite verse he stood on was I Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” He did his best to make this verse alive in his young life.

I will miss his laugh, miss him making me laugh, miss our long talks on the steps and on the phone, and I am motivated even more to live my life in honor of Brian and the many more youth like him that I have grown with who are now home.

Rodney, Chris, Terrill, Gina, James, Hakeem, Daniel, Mike, Marvin, E.C., Yasin, Marc, Aaron, etc., echo everything written, and we all look forward to seeing you again eternally, in His time. We shall meet again, love you forever brother, son, buddy!!!

Blest by the Best – Curtis Wayns – I Cor. 15:57 – Teen Haven

His work done in His way

Because our shelter is open to homeless women and children, we meet ladies from every background and situation. The circumstances that bring women here are as many and varied as the women themselves. Life has not been kind to many of our residents, and many wounds go deep.

Coming to the mission as a women’s counselor after nearly 30 years in hospital administration, was much more than a breath of fresh air. Sharing Jesus with hurting women, lending a listening ear, seeking solutions to life’s problems within the pages of God’s Word, and praying with them for restoration and healing brings blessing beyond description.

And for this, I receive a paycheck! How I thank God for the privilege of sharing in His work. I thank Him, too, for my family – not perfect, but so much more than I deserve.

The phrase, “There but for the grace of God go I,” took on new meaning for me. Had I not had the blessing of believing parents, I too could be homeless, sharing my story with one of our counselors today.

- Vicki Bollman, Women’s Ministry Director

Thoughts from the new girl

So what brought me here?

I previously worked for Keystone Custom Homes in Willow Street. My main job was to assist my clients with $$ information as well as perform their final settlement, in which I got to place shiny new keys into their eager hands.

This was all GREAT, except for that feeling deep down inside that told me I wanted something more. I ignored it…for a long time, not really caring if I was supposed to be somewhere else… I was comfortable there OK?!

Ha-ha, funny how our comfort doesn’t always matter to God. It just so happened that every day on my way to Willow Street I would drive past Water Street- I believe my foot let off the gas each time I passed- I wanted to look at the people. Not because I wanted to mock or because I had a staring problem, but because something in my stomach gave me a funny feeling…it told me- even though I don’t know those people, I love them, and I want to help them.

Fast forward a few months.

*Amy gets suckered into buying three months of the Sunday Newspaper*

One Sunday after church I randomly flipped open the classifieds and saw in big letters “Water Street Rescue Mission”. Of course this caught my attention so I read on…

Several weeks later, I found myself in and out of an interview, and faced with a decision to make. (I did not major in decision making, there for this was a very difficult task.)

Do you ever find yourself faced with these thoughts and questions? :
“But God, I’m comfortable here!”
“My friends are here…”
“Why did I even have to see that ad in the paper? Life was so easy before this…”
“God, could you please speak a little louder? Because I’m not sure I’m hearing you right…you want me to go where?!”

Well, after lots of thought, prayer, WSRM blog reading etc. (Which by the way is one tool God used to bring me to a decision, I loved reading everyone’s thoughts and stories- it made me want to experience first hand God’s work at the mission). I finally came to a decision, which you are now all aware of.

Working here has been great so far. I do not regret the decision at all. Of course there are moments that seem overwhelming, but God’s peace reminds me how He brought me here. Plus, instead of just driving past the people I love every day, I get to see them, say hi to them, and hopefully soon build relationships with them.

Handing keys over to new homeowner’s was a joyful experience, but somehow it doesn’t quite compare to being a part of handing over eternal keys to a place we can all call home.

-Amy Wright, Development Assistant

Lessons from a minnow

I sit on a fallen log beside the creek allowing the sound of the water falling gently over the rocks to soothe and quiet my soul. The warmth of the sun warms me to the place where I need to shed my sweatshirt, but the cooling breeze keeps me from becoming too comfortable in my solitude. As I gaze contemplatively at the flowing water and listen to the chirping of the birds and insects in the woods, my eyes are drawn to a pool of water formed by the rocks in the creek bed. And there in that tiny pool, a little minnow swims. I watch as the minnow constantly moves with the water, struggling to swim against the current to stay in that little pool.

I can’t help but think to myself, “Why does he struggle so hard to stay in that pool? What is it about that particular spot that keeps him there? Why doesn’t he just let go and let the water carry him where it will – over that rock and into the next larger pool where there are more minnows swimming about against the current trying to stay in ‘their’ pool?”

And then I pause to wonder, “How many times am I like that little minnow? Do I swim against the flow of God’s ‘living water’ so that I can stay in my little pool of comfort? Do I resist the Spirit of God nudging me to move out of my comfort pool for unknown waters? If I let go, will God take me into a larger, unfamiliar pool with people who may or may not be my friends? Am I holding back on the blessings of newer, deeper pools because I am afraid to let go?”

I may not know what’s just over the rocks or further downstream, but this I do know – the One who created me, who placed me in the streams of my life, knows what is ahead. And not only does He know what is ahead, He’s been there before and prepared my way. All I need to do is stop fighting and let go!

-Lorraine Brandt, Wonder Club Director

When rescuing is not rescuing

Nobody likes to see loved ones hurting. Invariably, we consider that our part in the matter is to help stop the hurting. That is a normal and good instinct. However, what if the hurt is being caused by the loved one’s own choices? What then?

If we focus on the hurt instead of the behaviors that cause the hurt, we actually increase the long-term pain. Here’s what I mean: a person loses his job and family due to his drug use and ends up homeless. He decides to move back in with his mom & dad, who let him because they can’t stand to see him homeless. However, he doesn’t deal with the cause of his homelessness and continues to use drugs. Did the parents help? No. In fact they have actually interfered with the natural consequences that could have motivated him to quit his drug use. Their actions are likely to lead to further, more serious pain –and even death.

To be effective at helping addicted men (& women) move from bondage to freedom requires that we are strong enough, ourselves, to handle the pain of seeing those, whom we care about deeply, go through the natural consequences of their choices. We must help them with the problem not just the pain the problem causes.

Mostly, what helps addicted men to face their problems is to coach and cheer-lead them through what ever pain their choices have caused and urge them to get help, but don’t try to remove their pain directly.

In my own addiction, my recovery might have begun five years earlier than it did if the well meaning, misguided people around me would have let me experience the pain my decisions caused. Instead they rescued me from the pain, which enabled me to continue in my addiction even longer.

- Aaron Eggers, Men’s Ministries

The Great Physician

Even those who provide health care get ill and struggle with what is wrong... why can’t the doctors figure it out and why is God allowing this to happen to me. I had been struggling with fatigue, swelling in my legs, difficulty breathing, chronic infections and increased general body aches for months! My family Dr had sent me to multiple specialists, some of the best in Lancaster, but alas no cardiologist or nephrologists could figure out what was wrong. They all agreed, yes, you are swelling and yes you need to stay on these medicines to keep the swelling down and your heart rate under control…but we don’t know why.

I trust that God knows all and loves me for He has seen me through life threatening illness and I’ve seen miracles by Him of miraculous cures in my 3 decades of caring for others. Of course I prayed, and prayed, and prayed…what is it Lord? I know you know! You are the great physician; you created us and know every detail about us and every hair on our head. You knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb.

But the months went by with no answer & I tried to accept that He is enough for me. I was also reminded of the persistent widow & how much more our heavenly Father loves me & listens to my requests. I walked daily in trust & in His strength! Asking & accepting what He had for me.

One cool evening my husband & I were sitting on our deck and I was again discouraged about not feeling well. I cried out in prayer to God & my husband, “Lord, I know you know what is wrong with me. Please tell me or the doctors treating me.” There are 2 things I want Lord, it’s not much. I want to be able to sing to you again (I had to quit ensemble at my church for I couldn’t both sing and breathe) and get off the pills that I was taking for they had side effects of their own. We sat & rocked for a little while longer on our deck swing, I felt better & once again knew that God is faithful and He hears my prayers.

The next day I was drawing blood on a woman living at the Mission who came to the Clinic to seek health care. I always love to hear their story while I am providing care and she was sharing some of her health concerns, which included problems with chronic infections due to drinking diet drinks. As soon as she said that I got this nudge of “Here is your answer!” I got excited inside for I knew as I ask her more details she was describing similar symptoms as mine and she admonished me to look up this as a health issue for some people and I assured her I would. As I found information on the effects some diet drink addictives have on people I found myself reading the story of my health for the previous months. I knew God had given me the answer through the “least of these”. All the educated health care providers, including myself, were dumbfounded, but God used a homeless woman to teach me what was wrong and how to solve the problem!

So how am I today? I cut the diet products out of my diet and slowly (with doctor approval) weaned myself off the medicines. I am singing to the Lord again (and breathing) and I’m off the medicines. I have energy and much less pain. Praise the Lord! I have learned God’s ways are not my ways and to be open to His teaching no matter in what form it may come!

-Gale Thomason, WSRM Clinic Director

Sometimes the ministry isn't where you expect it

Vinny is our Teen Haven Camp director, and there are hundreds of inner-city kids who would testify to his impact on their lives, many who would call him their spiritual father. But Vinny’s ministry stretches far beyond the kids who attend camp. And although he is viewed by most of the kids (and many staff) as a spiritual giant, there are times when he gets discouraged.

Last week was one of those times. A broken garage door, a temperamental well pump, leaking pipes in the Barnabas house, and fear of a major water line leak combined to weigh heavily on Vinny’s mind and heart.

In the midst of all this, God had a plan. When Monte, the plumber, arrived at camp to begin assessing our various problems, Vinny quickly recognized a hurting brother. Over the course of his two days working on the issues at camp (which he resolved quicker and more affordably than we could have hoped), the pain and fear that was eating away at the plumber’s heart and marriage bubbled to the surface… and Vinny was there to minister to him.

A compassionate ear, a shepherd’s heart, some sound advice born from experience, and a significant amount of prayer together and Monte left feeling that he had received much more than he had given. The discouragement in Vinny’s own heart was lifted as well when he saw that God used our camps physical problems for two greater purposes: to bring Monte to a place of healing and hope, and to remind us that He has a solution for every problem we face.

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven

Suffering... but not really

I took a day off Friday in order to travel to DC with my daughter Gabrielle on her school trip. Today I still feel the effect of a full day of walking all over downtown Washington with four very nice, but active 6th grade girls. I survived – barely – and we had a great time together! And the girls controlled the day. Not only did they choose their chaperone - me - but also the sites they wanted to see. Interestingly, all had a common desire to visit the Holocaust museum!

And the museum visit was moving. For two hours we observed the intricacies of the Holocaust from the rise of Nazi power through the implementation of the Final Solution. And the presentation was descriptive and well thought through. Yet after a time I began to sense a lack of feeling from what I was seeing. By the end of the museum walk most of my initial horror from seeing piles of corpses and the inner workings of the crematorium was gone. And I was amazed at how quickly I could become numb after so vividly being reminded of the gross inhumanity of the Holocaust.

How can I make sense of suffering in this world and how should I respond to it? I am not sure but can offer several thoughts:

• Personally, I have not experienced suffering to any great degree.
• We can become numb to the suffering around us – maybe as a way of ‘dealing’ with its presence by minimizing our consciousness of its reality.
• We can try to avoid the pain that suffering brings. Through the use of just about anything – substances, obsessions, relationships - we can blunt the immediate distress suffering brings. As a resident told me, ‘Steve, sometimes the quick relief (from pain) seems better than the long term consequences of my choices.’

It’s hard to argue with that logic when suffering. And suffering from minor pain or on the scale of the Holocaust doesn’t always make sense even to those of us who claim to follow Christ, the Suffering Servant. Consider what Eugene Peterson writes in the forward to the book, Embracing Brokenness:

"We have somehow ended up with a country full of Christians who consider suffering, whether it comes from a broken body or a broken heart, a violation of their spiritual rights. The only cross they seem to have any acquaintance with is a piece of cheap jewelry. Can anyone get their attention long enough to convince them that suffering must not be avoided, but embraced; that brokenness does not diminish a life of faith but deepens it?"

He asks a good question then proceeds with his comment on suffering:

" … suffering is not evidence of God’s absence, but of God’s presence and that it is in our experience of being broken that God does His surest and most characteristic salvation work. I think that (all) … can be persuaded that there is a way to accept, embrace, and deal with suffering that results in a better life, not a worse one, and more of the experience of God, not less."

"Lord, help me to seek to hear you when I suffer in any way."

-Steve Brubaker, Director of Residential Ministries

Why I came to work today...

God has a great sense of timing when it comes to reminding me why I come to work at the Water Street Rescue Mission, where we are engaged in the Ministry of rescue – yet we are totally incapable of rescuing anyone.

Take Luis, who I met at Turkey Hill this morning. I have known Luis for 13 years – a regular at WSRM – and usually when I see him, he is either working on getting drunk or working on sobering up. As I watched Luis stumble around the Turkey Hill, the raw odor of urine and beer filled the store. Customers went out of their way to avoid him did not hide their disgust as they moved to avoid any contact with him or his space.

I Love Luis – because he reminds me of myself, and because Jesus loves me in spite of how smelly I have become. Paul writes in 1Cor. 6:9-11:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (Emphasis mine).

Or as Eugene Peterson writes in “The Message”;
Don’t you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don’t care about God will not be joining in His kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don’t qualify as citizens in God’s kingdom ...

How often do we stop here in our judgment of others... If I stop here I am running from Luis and avoiding him.... missing out on his smile and kind words... offered with a handshake and a joke....

A number of you know from experience what I’m talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then you’ve been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.

Lord, as I meet people today, no matter how smelly they might seem, help me to remember just how bad I look and smell – and the awesome Love and Grace you poured out in me. May I be a vessel of your grace and mercy, that others might experience a fresh start.

Thanks for the smile Luis, and the timing God... and that’s why I came to work today....

-Rick Rutter, Outreach Ministries Director

Lessons from the workplace...the Lydia Center

A few stray tears spilled over and ran down my cheeks as I processed the news I’d just been given. I was sitting in the business office at the Lydia Center where I work, and the director, Lori, had just told me of another lady who was going to be leaving our program. She was the third of four during that week in February.

Sadly and with a heavy heart I asked Lori, “When will they get it?” She gently reminded me how the Lord must ask the same question as he looks at the choices we make. Later as we as staff processed the leaving of so many women in such a short time, Lori shared Matthew 23:37, “o Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.”

At the Lydia Center I feel I am experiencing a bit of the heart of God as I walk alongside women and observe some of the poor choices some make as they choose to return to old lifestyles or refuse to allow the Lord to penetrate their hearts. Sometimes I feel as Jesus, weeping over Jerusalem. My disappointment and grief of the hardness of their hearts can only be a fraction of what the Lord Himself experiences.

Simultaneously, I am humbled over and over by what Lori pointed out that day to me. How many times does the Lord shed those same tears that I shed in the office as He observes my pride and refusal to allow Him lordship over every area of my life? May I be found continually surrendering all of my life and choices to the Lord.

-Lorene Brubaker, Lydia Center counselor

The Uninsured - Giving them a voice

Never mix politics & religion? But what about health insurance and a faith based health clinic? They do intersect. Do I get involved Lord? As a Christian faith based clinic we are providing medical & dental care to the homeless uninsured. How frustrating each day as we care for people with serious health issues but they don’t have access to the testing, specialists and medicines that are available to those who are insured. “Cover The Uninsured” is America’s national initiative to get health coverage for all Americans as Congress’s top priority www.covertheuninsured.org .

Don’t make too many quick judgments now on who are the uninsured. There are 46 million uninsured in America of which 11 million are children. In Lancaster County, with our population of 450,000, we have a 12% uninsured rate which equals about 54,000 of which 11,000 are children. 30% of the uninsured are working! The census of the Water Street Clinic grows 15-20% each year (6,000+ visits in 2005) with an increasing portion (current about 30%) not living at WSRM. They are the former homeless who now have jobs and a place to live, but still no insurance. As we see this ever growing portion of our friends & neighbors without health insurance, we are opening the new Water Street Clinic to qualified uninsured in the community in 2007.

You probably know someone that doesn’t have health insurance (and they aren’t living at the Mission). I know I do…my daughter and her husband are without insurance. They are in their early 20’s, both working, and their employers can’t afford to offer them health care. Do I worry some over this, yes! I also pray that the Lord will keep them safe & healthy.

So who can solve this growing and seemingly insurmountable & unsolvable problem? Is it clinics like ours from the faith community that should fill the gap? Is it the government’s sole responsibility? Is it business that must provide health care for all of their employees? Is it the individual’s responsibility to acquire health coverage for himself? Let the insurance industry solve the problem? As I work daily in the systems and read about the issues and problems on both a national and local level I see that it is EVERYONE’S issue. We must work together, with Congress (for the insurance issues are heavily government regulated) to find the answers. Do not expect them to come up with a solution without your help & input. The answers are not easy & money is often the barrier in all solutions.

Jesus says the poor will always be among us which helps me not to be discouraged about the needs. The world’s issues are His to bear, but we/I am to be the voice for one person at a time. Jesus also tells us when we serve the “least of these” we are ministering to Him. I ask that you become involved, contact your congressman (both federal & state - their contacts are easily accessible on line) tell them how important this issue is to you, get involved in events that keep the issues of the uninsured in the limelight…be their voice! Come and help care for those in need at the Water Street Clinics, or others providing care to the uninsured. I challenge you to help put Water Street Clinic out of business! Don’t worry, the poor will always be among us and we will have plenty of other work to do.

- Gale Thomason, WS Clinic Administrator

Do I really believe in eternity?

I was heading out to a meeting this afternoon and picked up a book that I wanted to share with the person I was meeting with. Out of the book fell an index card with some thoughts I wrote down about 13 years ago, shortly after starting work at the mission. Having recently moved into a new house to accommodate my growing family, I find myself being challenged by my younger self.

My desires for comfort (and luxury, stability, and the material) betray the fact that I don’t have the attitude of a “stranger and foreigner in this world.” If I really knew that my true home was in heaven, why would I spend so much (time, money, and effort) to make myself at home here?

My attitude should be more like that of a man visiting an underdeveloped foreign country looking to help the people there. As far as his own accommodations, he only provides himself with the bare minimum of what he needs so his efforts can be focused outwards.

When I spent a week working in Appalachia during High School, I slept on a concrete floor in a room with 20 other smelly guys, showered in a basement room called “the pit of despair,” and ate low-grade mass-produced casseroles reheated multiple times… and I never complained once. I was even quite grateful for what I had because I had come as an outsider seeking to help the hurting people of that region – my comfort was not a priority (or even much of a thought). Plus, I was only going to be there for a week or so.

One week compared to the rest of my life is actually much greater than my lifetime compared to eternity. Shouldn’t I be just as willing to live “comfortless” while a “stranger in this world” waiting to be called to my eternal home.

-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven Director

Blessed to serve

I often said that when I could retire I would do volunteer work. Well! I haven’t quite yet, but decided I have a few hours to spare! My husband attended a meeting for volunteers at WSRM and came home with a long list of areas in need of help. I noticed the clinic was in need of extra hands, so I asked the Lord if this is where he could use me. After a couple of weeks of praying and thinking it over, His answer was yes.

I called the clinic and spoke to Gale Thomason and made an appointment. When I arrived I was a bit nervous about the new experience. But to my surprise Millie, the staff nurse, put me right to work. Wow! What a fulfilling experience. It’s also been two-fold: I am learning so much as a new nurse and am also helping others in need.

My son asked me if I felt safe, a misconception many people have. I replied that the people who come to the clinic treat me with such respect and kindness that I never thought about being unsafe. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity and look forward to returning each week. If it is just to pat a hand, lend an ear or help someone feel a bit better before seeing the doctor, this is true nursing!

- Claudette L. Murphy, LPN

And if you spend yourself on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. Isaiah 58:10