Living on the Porch of Healthcare for the Homeless in 5 Degree Temps!

THESE ARE ALL PEOPLE TRYING TO SURVIVE
These are NOT just blankets, but bodies lying under them trying to stay warm. Cold winter nights and frozen concrete sit below these souls.  Those who stay on this porch are generally the poorest of the street poor.  In the caste system of homelessness, they are at the bottom. No tent, no way of protecting themselves from the wind, they just lay blankets on the frozen concrete and do all they can to survive until the morning.  

When the extreme cold comes, this is one of about 1/2 dozen stops where homeless will be and need help. At the core of all the hot chocolate, blankets and gloves is a message of the love of Christ. The greatest of their needs are spiritual. Almost all are in a battle! These are the modern day lepers to many, these are the people Jesus would minister to, the greatest in need. 

BUT IT'S SCARY! 
​ If you ever thought of doing outreach, here would be a good start. Know this, the people you will encounter are very welcoming.  When the need is great, they are happy to see anyone who will help them, they are greatly appreciative. Something else to be aware of; all most all have prayed a prayer of salvation, so I look beyond that once I confirm they have accepted Christ.  I walk them into a conversation of their identity. This is the core of not only their issue, but many Christians. We still see ourselves are sinners, but Christ see us as saints, holy, beloved, a friend, washed clean, sitting with Him at the right had of the Father, etc.  WALK IN THAT!  Do you still sin?
Yes you do - 1 John 1:10.  But does Jesus wag his finger at you and call you a bad sinner?  Absolutely not!  So my conversation, if the Spirit allows is one of walking in Christ who has already overcome, to start realizing their identity is in Grace and the Finished Work.... IT IS FINISHED- John 19:30.  We are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ - 2Co.10:5.  It is amazing when you see in their eyes a light of who they really are in Christ.  Our job is to GO, uplift, love, edify and encourage people.  We cannot judge them by where we are in our walk, but meet them where they are in life.  Remember, we are all on a journey, walk with your brother or sister who may not be where you are, and in doing so, maybe you will discover you also are not where you think you are in your journey.  You are called to go and bless, and in that blessing, YOU will receive more than you can imagine! But the first step is for you are walk out the door of your home or church.  

God Bless you as you Go!