Sisters in Christ Facing Death in a tent

I was walking out of a diner in Baltimore this afternoon when I saw a homeless lady circling a car out of the corner of my eye. I knew she had me in her sights. Of course, she asked for a few dollars to get a cup of coffee.  I knew she needed something. It was 30 degrees out right now, and tonight, we will get up toward a foot of snow. The temperatures are not above freezing during the day for the next seven to ten days, with wind chills in the single digits at night.  Since she was living in a makeshift tent next to Interstate 95, she is not prepared for what is coming her way. 

Her name is Anna. She can't weigh more than 100 pounds and is already shivering, way under dressed. As I started to lead the conversation after she asked for money.  I asked, outside of financial, what is your greatest struggle in life? What is something you battle with daily?  Many times, this leads to an addiction conversation, which will lead to a conversation about their soul and salvation.  But this lady knocked me off my feet. She replied, "trying to get my homeless friends to believe in Jesus." WHAT?! 

Here is a born-again believer battling on the streets.  As we talked, I started to tell stories and use scripture, and she was repeating verses I was using word for word.  Without questions, she knows the Lord.  Hold on, John!!  Look at her life! She probably still uses drugs, no evidence of her being saved. I can hear some of you now.  Whatever she is battling, she is in a place where her greatest struggles are others, souls! She is in a tent, a place I would not live, has daily interactions in her imperfect world, and is telling others about Jesus. Yes, but her life has not changed? I know, I know, I know.  It reminds me of the older brother in the story of the prodigal son.  You know, the one who stood right next to the father every day, the one who could have had anything he wanted, but do you know his problem. Pride and a hard heart.  Anna may be living more like the younger son in the pig pit, but she is humble and has a heart for others and the LORD.  Who is "less saved" the one who is not perfect, but loves Christ, or the one who has it all together, but is not even aware they are standing next to the Father? Grace my friends, It's Grace, encouragement, edification and lifting your brother/sister up, not keeping them down.

I had a dear homeless friend named Tommy. This guy was not perfect and had many issues in life, but he would give you his last dime. He had nothing, but he had everything! Tommy led hundreds to the Lord, while many Christians never lead a single person to the Lord; they bury their talent.

Neither Tommy or Anna did that.  They battled daily in the flesh, but the heart is for Jesus. They will overcome and be healed one day, whether here or on the other side.  I pray for this sister tonight and the nights to come. I pray she is able to find shelter and protection.  Join me in praying for her.

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