"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."
Deuteronomy 15:11
Volunteering at Haven for Hope was incredible. It is hard to describe how incredibly touched I was by the workers and the hundreds of homeless people; all with a story to tell. Friday, May 20, 2011, Haven for Hope fed 471 people. This was a record number of people for them and it was quite overwhelming, but everyone was fed and I feel as if the hot food miraculously multiplied because even though the lady serving was scraping the bottom of the one pot of chili we had there always seemed to be a generous portion served on each plate. I had never seen anything like what I did that evening, it was amazing! Some of those people have been homeless for three or more years and others it may have been recent. It is sad when leaders like, Jerry S. could address people by name because they have been coming there for so long and were dependent on the food from there; sometimes that would be their only meal a day. The worst was seeing elderly and handicapped there, those people should be taken care of without having to beg for it; they can't work or make a living in the types of conditions they were in. It was so heartbreaking. I cannot even imagine living a life like some of those people have to, but Haven for Hope has brought many of them incredible opportunity to turn their lives around. Haven for Hope has given them a place to stay, get a warm meal, and a chance to find hope that can change their life and that hope is Jesus Christ!
I spent the entire evening crying and even as I type this, recalling all that I have seen, even though it's been 5 days since I have been there, I am crying. It just makes me so incredibly grateful for all that I have and the life that I have. God had been very good to my family and I. I am excited to return because it has already changed my life and I am sure it will change even more.
God, you love each and every person on this earth and I know that you are watching over them. God please protect the thousands (possibly millions) of people in this world that suffer from lack of food, shelter, clean water, and medicine. God you have a plan for their lives; bring them hope and guide them to make the right choices. Direct your disciples to generously give up a little of what they have to people in these situations because some of them cannot get out without the help of others. Give me strength for when I return and let your spirit guide me. You are a merciful and loving God. Thank you for never changing and always bringing hope. I love you Jesus! Amen.
Rachelle, your compassion is so touching. Don't forget, the reason your heart is moved is because you're seeing things the same way that God sees them. I know it's difficult and often uncomfortable, but keep going to those places, keep staring at the pain and discomfort, and keep being a voice for those who don't have a voice. That is what Christians can do. We should go and do the things that we can do - like serve a hot meal to those who need one. But we can do more, we can tell the stories of the people who need to have their stories told. We can use forums like blogs and Facebook to bring people face to face with the harsh realities that are very close to them, and we can unashamedly call people to act.
ReplyDeleteYou have a strong voice, a great talent, and a soft heart, Rachelle. That is a dangerous combination for the Kingdom of darkness! What I'd like you to do is chase down the story of Haven for Hope. Where did it come from, what does it do, and what impact is it making? You have an audience here, make them see what you see. Well done, Rachelle, good and faithful servant.