Big Idea to Consider

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?