Wet shelter

An interesting perspective!

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/politics/2012/01/why-more-homeless-shelters-should-allow-alcohol/953/

Phone call from jail

On Monday afternoon I received a phone call from an inmate of the Henrico County jail.

Let's call him Bob.

Bob called me to say that he'd received my name from a friend who works at the jail and attends Atlee.

He went on to say that he needed a duffle bag to put his personal belongings in. He was being released on Tuesday. The plastic bags he uses will not hold up.

Bob happens to be homeless and tends to spend time in jail to stay off the streets.

He assured me that he was not a hardened criminal.

I told him that I'd do my best, but I couldn't make any promises.

I found it amazing that all he wanted was a duffle bag. He didn't ask for a place to sleep, food or money!

I ended up in meetings all day and found myself at 6:30 pm looking in Sam's club for a duffle bag. I finally made a call to the jail to see if I could drop it off. 

The answer was no!

I went home frustrated. 

I got up the next morning full of energy and prepared to face this challenge again.

I noticed on my bookshelf several new bibles that were left over from a case I'd bought for my wife several months ago. 

I took a bible and wrote a short note with my life verse Prov 3:5-6 on the inside cover.

It reminded me of the time I received my first bible.

I then proceeded to Walmart and found the exact bag that Bob wanted!

I traveled across the river and went to the jail. I'd envisioned the night before that I might run into a sheriff in the parking lot who might help me out.

It wasn't two minutes after I arrived in the parking lot a man in a sheriff's uniform came walking by.

I asked if he could take the bag in to Bob. He said sure! 

He even knew who Bob was. It would appear he was a regular at the jail.

I haven't heard anything from Bob yet, but I can still be praying for him.

It turns out that another person who is helping me plan the retreat works at the Richmond City jail. 

He told me last night that he knows Bob as well. He said that Bob might be a great candidate for the retreat.

So the next time you get a call from jail don't be surprised what might happen!

Homeless Retreat Moving Forward

Tonight at the Alpha and Omega Bible Church there was a lot of movement towards the retreat becoming a reality!

Pastor Carolyn made an announcement to the folks in attendance that I was sponsoring a retreat for any of the men that wanted to go.

We are starting with just the men for the first time and then try the ladies on the next go round.

After her announcement several men came up to her to sign up with the understanding that it would be a dry three day retreat, so leave the drugs and alcohol behind!

So now we have several folks that want to go.

I also spent much of the night speaking with Shelton who once was homeless himself. He now volunteers and helps out at the church Tuesday nights for dinner and Sunday mornings for Church.

I told Shelton about the retreat and he really liked the idea. He said that it was a radical idea and that many guys would really take advantage of it.

He also volunteered to help plan the retreat on Thursday evenings with the rest of the group.

He will have huge insight into what will and won't work!

Tonight was a great step towards the reality of a retreat!

Things are moving forward!

The compassion of a seventh grader!

This morning it is 32 degrees outside and raining.

As I drive through Northside and Barton Heights I see men and women walking the streets cold and wet.

I can't begin to empathize with the homeless because I have never been in that situation.

I do recall reading this article the other day and was so impressed with this seventh grader who did his best to better understand the plight of the homeless and then did something about it!

7th Grader sets the example

A story like this encourages me in my journey to put on a retreat for the homeless!

The Morning After

For months I drive through neighborhoods like Highland Park, North side and Barton Heights.

I am praying while I pass by abandoned buildings, crack houses, drunks on the streets and other assorted people and places.

The need is great, but what is the need?

This morning after the snow fall, I see things differently.

Snow tends to brighten things up!

A blighted community looks totally different.

I see God's hand at work!

Its as if he has laid his white robe over everything.

God is moving!

The snow looks awesome and brings a smile to my face!

I know God is just telling me "I got this!"

Nothing like a new snow fall the morning after.