Each Tuesday evening we gather, anxious to see who our guest will be for the evening. So far I have met Bobbie, Dave, David, Michael, Mike, Tony, Amy, Louis, Denny, Tim, Mary, Travis, Clark, Freedom, Patrick, Peter, Patricia, Ashley, Laura, and Jack. A few others have come but have not spoken with me.
When I arrived this evening, Lawton was hard at work at the grill cooking hot dogs and hamburgers. Two six foot tables were out and they were filled with food. Nearby we placed the take-away meals, bottles of water, hot coffee, blankets stacked neatly, toiletries in small bags, the resource folder and bibles. Each week we offer these items to our guest to help make their load a little lighter.
I turned and was surprised to see our local government officials. My immediate thought was why are they here, I went through the proper channels to get approval for the Homeless Outreach. I greeted the Mayor and asked the commissioner that I have met previously if I was in trouble, were they there to shut us down. He responded with a smile, oh no, we are here to see what you are doing and show our support. Wow! That was a relief. I met the other commissioners and shared with them about the work we offer each week to our guest. Soon a few of the guest were coming over to say hi and share about their week with me and introducing themselves to the lady beside me. I'm sure they didn't know her title and at that moment it didn't matter. She stepped away and wiped the tears from her eyes.
Usually I don't make any big announcements but tonight we had so much going on that I wanted to make sure all of our guest new what the hour held. I saw one of the nurses taking someones blood pressure and was thankful in such a short amount of time trust was being built.
We shared our meal together and for many I noticed how hungry they were. Thankful that seconds were offered (thirds if they could hold them). For the first time we suggested that we move to another area to hear some music and the offering of communion. Some stayed back and observed from a distance, others eagerly walked to the smaller spot. Music was shared, conversations were had, food continued to be consumed then came the time for communion. My friend, Markus, is a pastor down the road from the park and he had said yes when I asked would he come and share the offering of communion with us. As Marcus began to talk, I noticed that Denny walked away. Just far enough to be away from the group. The bread was broken and the cup was filled. They came. My heart so full I could hardly get the words out to each of them. Patrick came first, you see he lives in his car but knows who holds him each day. Next was Freedom, tonight was his first night. He lives in a storage building after losing his job 2 months ago. He had shared with me earlier in the evening how he wished he knew what God had planned for his life. Each one, Markus asked their name and spoke words of grace, hope and love to them. Amy came, her eyes locked on Markus and each word he said. You could see her taking in that Jesus loves her. She dipped her bread in the chalice - the blood of Jesus shed for her. Clark rolled up in his wheelchair, his heart overflowed as he took the bread then reached and drank from the cup. Drinking from the cup desiring more than just a dip. The bread continued to be broken and dipped in the cup. Another felt the desire to drink from the cup this person a volunteer whose heart is broken for the broken in spirit. They came one by one, you see here title doesn't matter. The gift of Christ is extended to all. He gave his life as a gift for all. Never in my life have I broke bread with such a beautiful group of God's creation. From the doctor to the panhandler in this moment we are all the same. As the group continued to sing I walked back to where Denny was standing, then I noticed the tears streaming from his eyes, the napkin in a wad. I told him I was so glad he had come tonight, he said so was he.
Michael said, I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of you all here this evening.
On the way home I heard the song by Sidewalk Prophets called "Live Like That". Reminding me, I wanna live like that...
Breaking bread with the broken offering the healer...yeah, I wanna live like that.
