I'm wondering about something. This may sound crazy, so bear with me, please. In past years a youth director friend of mine and I have considered what it would be like to spend a night with the homeless folks in downtown Albuquerque. A couple of years ago I asked a few men at St. Stephen's to consider spending a night out with me, but got no takers. It is a crazy idea after all.
I am wondering if any or all of us would be willing to consider spending a night outside with folks in downtown ABQ, perhaps over Thanksgiving weekend? A homeless ministry I have worked with in southeast Ohio does this on Good Friday night and they call it a Fast from Shelter.
I have never been able to shake the idea that I have no idea what a homeless person really has to experience. One night is a taste only, it proves nothing. One night could, however, bring us closer to the Jesus who spent so much time with those on the outside of society.
This is an uncomfortable, unusual idea, I know. Can we get closer to knowing what exile is through such an experience? Would we develop a deeper sense of thanksgiving through it? Thoughts?
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4 comments:
I'm down... great idea!
Hey,
It's an interesting idea, for sure. My first response was that I need to bounce it off a good friend of mine who was homeless for a while. From what he's told me, it's pretty dangerous depending on where. We did a blanket ministry at Asbury. When he got hurt, I asked if I could help and he said that I would't be accepted and would be in danger where he goes. I'll get his suggestions and get back to you. Thanks for the idea, Alli.
It would be good to have that kind of feedback from someone you trust, Alli. Thanks for checking with him. I don't expect this to be free of danger, but I don't want to trip over a wasp's nest in the dark, either. More information is good.
Hey,
I asked my friend about the idea. He said that it all depends on what you have to offer. He used to go down and have people he knew hang out in his car with the heater on. He said that the older folks like the extra company. He never hung out at the shelters cuz of the drug problems there and the danger of people taking the little he had. Maybe we can do a blanket ministry or put together a mess of sandwiches or bring coffee. His words were that if you were just hangin' out for the "homeless experience", they might "mess with you". Anyway, that's the feedback I got, so I thought I'd pass it along. Thanks, Alli.
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