Yesterday we had to call the police because a fight broke out in the day room. Three officers arrived and one man was still screaming profanities so the police stayed for a bit to make sure he didn’t pick a fight with someone else. All of a sudden, a call came in and one of the officers said, “We gotta go… there’s a woman on 9th and Barrett being attacked by a parrot.” Only at a Rescue Mission!
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It was a terrible time of heavy rains. We were worried that the Mission basement would flood. Our recovery men even volunteered to help the City fill sand bags to save homes and businesses. As the river raised higher and higher, breaking records…. we cautiously watched the evening news. The local news showed many scenes - decks completely intact floating rapidly down the river as they broke free from the homes they were connected with – many had their lawn furniture still on top! Unbelievable things were floating down that river, it seemed surreal. Then the camera person broke away to focuse on a large inflated tractor innertube with a man lounging inside quickly floating along. Pat and I joked - what were the odds we would know who was in that tube… Yes, we did. It was Winston! He was with us for several months. He was young, energetic, full of life and wanting to follow the Lord. Winston mysteriously left one evening and we didn’t know what became of him until that night watching the news. He did stop by the Mission several months later to say “Hello” and we told him we saw his 1 minute of fame. We usually never know very much of the outcome of our efforts… we plant, water, and cultivate what comes our way. Sometimes, we are rewarded with knowing the results. But so many continue to float in dangerous addictive behavior… we pray we meet up with them again as our hearts still yearn for their safety and salvation. 2 comments Really, it was just a hug. But, it spoke volumes to me. In June, I attended our youth graduation ceremony and was at a table with a beautiful young lady who went forward for several awards… academics, spiritual leadership, mentoring, etc. I engaged in small talk with her and congratulated her sincerely with each trip up for an award. I noticed her dad sitting nearby and spoke a few words to him. The ceremony ended and I went home. I found out later from our FYL (fearless.youth.leader) more about Mia. Her mom was busy pursuing her own life and rarely interacted with her kids… as in she was mostly absent… no food in the house… no clean clothes… no nurturing at all. Mia’s dad was an addict and for her graduation from 8th grade (the event I attended) was sober and so proud of her. Our FYL bought her a bus pass to get to school in time for a free breakfast. The afore mentioned FYL also noticed Mia having a “smell” about her and asked if her mom or she did laundry (there was concern about bullying if kids at school started to comment on the odor). There was a blank look on Mia’s face. So our FYL bought a few rolls of quarters and took Mia to the local wash house to show her how to do laundry. The graduation day was very special for Mia, her dad was there… sober and proud. I was there trying to be supportive. I didn’t see Mia again until 4 days before Christmas. As soon as she saw me… she ran over to give me a hug! I was speechless. My seemingly words of small talk and praise 6 months earlier apparently meant more to her than I ever realized. So I ask you, what small act of kindness can you do this coming year that may mean the world of difference to someone? Let me know. 2 comments Last week Pat was picking up barrels full of donated toys and food from all around the Bay Area. On a busy freeway, a turkey swooped down and almost hit the car in front of him. Yes, we have wild turkeys all around us… sounds strange in a large metropolis such as this… Fortunately, the turkey did not make contact. However, a few minutes later another large turkey flew right into the side of the mission’s box truck. The ‘thump’ was startling loud. Sadly, we do not know the outcome of this turkey’s life as the traffic was heavy and they couldn’t exactly stop to check it out. Maybe he was someone’s Christmas turkey and maybe he is telling tall tales of how not to fly into a truck. no comments It was almost Thanksgiving and I wanted the women/children in the shelter to have their own special Thanksgiving Dinner, complete with all the trimmings. I had delivered a thawed turkey and everything else they might need on Wednesday. Several women assured me they knew what to do with the turkey… and told me to just ‘go home’ and be with my family. On Thanksgiving morning, I had a staff member, Tanja, stop in to check on the women. She went upstairs to see how the women were faring and stumbled upon a most disturbing sight…. Leah had the turkey on the kitchen table with pliers and a Philips screwdriver. Tanja asked what in the world was going on… Leah innocently said, “Someone told me you have to take the insides out first.” To which, Tanja calmly reached in and removed the bag of giblets. Leah’s eyes about popped out of her head. No, Leah, tools are not necessary…. Happy Thanksgiving! 2 comments |
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