LESSON LEARNED

There should be a sense of humility in serving the homeless. What we have done to the "least of these", we have done unto Him. This idea not only elevates the status of the homeless man, but also lowers our heads as we approach Him in service. I learned this lesson more deeply this past Saturday.
Lesson One! I have never felt comfortable leading prayer. I don't know why, but I don't think that it is my possition to assume that I should lead anyone in such an intimate communion with God. I lead in prayer with my wife, but that is simply out of fear of disobeying God's charge that I lead my household. But when I am with a group, I tend to pass the buck.
The past several times I have brought a group to help the homeless, I have not led in prayer. I know it sounds wrong, but I knew God would teach me a lesson and convict me of the importance of prayer. Well it happened. I don't know if you were there or saw it, but a man named Timothy, a resident of the TRM homeless program approached me. He said, "Brother, I love what you guys do here. God bless you for it. But you know what? I have a suggestion for you. You need to lead in prayer." You want to know what is crazier? I totally walked of and said, "Sure man! Next time, for sure!". WHAT?!?!?! HUH?!?!?! Right about then, the Holy Spirit grabbed me and said, "No. You do it, now." So I called everyone in voice range and prepared to pray. But when I looked at Timothy (as much as it embarrases me to say this), I could cleary see in his eyes that he was not about to follow me. He took charge, and led about twenty men in prayer. Reader? Are you getting this? A homeless man. A homeless man, submitting to the authority of God, led people who have everything in prayer. He took us into the throne room of God and shook our Spirits with a prayer filled with scripture and authority. Lesson learned. When you submit to the authority of God, prayer will flow naturally. We do not "lead" in prayer. We submit to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to carry us and others in prayer.
Lesson Number Two! I was raised on a farm and pride myself in being a hard worker. FBC had about 15 people show up to help out. The Trinity Rescue Mission had about the same in homeless people who helped out. You want to know something? Guess who finished out the car wash? Was it the "strong"? Those who get fed good homemade meals and sleep in really nice homes? NO. It was the residents of the TRM homeless program who finished the work. Honestly? I could not believe it. Here were those who we ALL deem lazy, weak, and incapable of work. And they were the last ones standing. You know, that had an impact on me and I hope you think about it. I say this not to condemn (I left before the homeless did, too!). I say this as a message. Those at the TRM are hardworking, capable, team working people. We don't know all of their stories, some are degree holding and married. We can't look at them through a filter of judgment. If we are going to make a difference in their lives, we need to know that they are people of great worth and value. We cannot approach them with prejudice and judgements.

I love you all and thank you for helping in this ministry.