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Now for the rest of the story………………This
is a continuation of an email sent earlier on our team’s
Skid Row reflections:
Cheryl: The mission outreach at Skid
Row was really something unbelievable. So many people who
are just wandering with all they have in their hands. For
the most part, they were very appreciative of all they
received. Many said “God bless you.” It is really hard to
get your mind around this huge problem. Remembering that
each soul is important to God is the key. So, we do as the
Lord says, and He will gain the soul.
Jennette: Serving at Skid Row was much
different than I expected. One thing that surprised me was
how the people that came to receive the health kits,
clothes, and food were gracious and thankful to be getting
items from us. It was a humbling and an eye opening
experience for me. Even though the people didn’t have much
or a place to call home they were thankful to see us. I’m
thankful for how God has blessed me and it is my hope that I
can see ways to change priorities I have in my life.
Vicar Cundiff: I was surprised that the
people on Skid Row are very much like you or I. We so often
think of the homeless as people in rags and pushing carts
full of cans. We did see some of those people, but the
majority of the people we saw could be on any street
anywhere in the country. It was a very humanizing experience
to meet these people in just desperate need for help.
Annonymous: This event was pretty much
what I expected. Surprise was some people were prepared to
receive meals and brought their own container (shoe box).
Many people were grateful for health kits and their eyes lit
up at toothpaste! It was good to see people leading aerobics
at waiting area at clinics.
Bev: I was amazed at how appreciative
many of the people were of our efforts. Also there were
Spanish speaking people and were so happy when the minister
spoke and sang in their language. Many Christians were in
the group and were ready to praise Jesus.
No name: I would have never imagined
everything that took place at Skid Row. The picture in my
mind was a lot worse than what it actually was. There were
no fights and most people were just so thankful. No one
really was taking handfuls of clothing. Just one or two
pieces. One lady even said to me that she didn’t want to
take too much because she wanted to leave some for others.
There was the occasional person that wanted a different
colored backpack, but it was not too hard to handle. I only
had one lady that crossed by dropping four lettered words,
but everyone else was very thankful.
Nancy: Our day at Skid Row will be a
day I will always remember. I was encouraged by how thankful
they were for us to be there with them and for what they
received. Thank you to everyone who has donated hygiene
products, underwear, etc. Things I observed that were a wow
to me: 1. How many that sang along without any song books
during the church service. 2.The people that came forward to
give during the offering. 3.I need to give away clothing
that I don’t need. There are so many people in need and
there are so many mission opportunities.
Mary: When I returned from Skid Row
yesterday, the thing that really struck me-and stuck with
me-was, sadly, the smell. I couldn’t stand it. It was so
unfamiliar that I didn’t realize what it was at first. I
took a shower when I got back to the hotel, washing myself
again and again. It was so different for me. It really made
me appreciate the little things that I never think about,
like soap and shampoo and the opportunity to take a shower
once a day. I can fully appreciate the need for hygiene kits
now.
Terry: I was amazed at how respectful
and thankful the homeless were. As they came through the
food line they always said thank you and God bless you. The
families that came through made me more thankful for what I
have and that I’m able to provide for them.
Barb: Sometimes we realize there are
others around us who have nothing. Sometimes we wonder how
we can help others. Your local church can guide you or maybe
the Salvation Army and other charities in your town could
use your help. When you help others you are helping God.
Please consider helping others in some way if you have extra
time or if you are lonely yourself; it can make a great
difference in your life.
Thank you for taking the time to read
our thoughts. Today we learned about the Nehemiah Project ,
had a worship service at St Paul Lutheran, revealed secret
servants, shopped and enjoyed our day together as a team.
Thank you for your prayers. God bless
you. Ellie Menz IOWAY Director |
