I am going to try my best to keep myself together so that I can write this.
I jumped at the chance to do night outreach with the guys at Children’s Garden. Little did I know what I was about to see and how insignificant I would feel. I saw the most heart breaking sight that I have ever witnessed. I take a deep breath as I try to put into words what I saw and felt.
More than 30 kids between the ages of 7 – 18 homeless and living on the street. Girls 11-16 years old selling themselves to anyone that would have them. To pass the time, the kids huff pvc glue that they pass around in little plastic bags. Asking a 12 year old his name as his eyes rolled into the back of his head from being so high.
In an instant I felt completely helpless. What could I possibly do to help these kids? My heart ripping out of my chest, I pray that these kids will have ears to hear the Word of God. I pray for open hearts and the words to speak.
As the boys from Children’s Garden perform their testimony dance routine, the kids watch attentively as they huff more glue. I die inside watching as kid after kid destroy themselves with something that is made to hold pipes together. Meanwhile, girls are on the corner waiting for someone to pick them up to take them to a remote place where they can give themselves away for chump change. My heart explodes tears of pain.
Sharon, a woman on staff at Children’s Garden, asks me to share my testimony. I instantly realize what I have in common with these kids. I was in their shoes once. Not homeless, but definitely broken and as high as I could possibly get. I pray for God to speak through me and to use it all for His glory.
As I speak, kids continue to breathe deep as they take another hit. I continue to talk about my life of depression and drugs, hoping they would grasp what I was trying to hint at. That I had been there, done that, and drugs can’t take away the pain. I spoke about receiving Jesus and His redemption.
Food was passed out by a local church group and kids rushed to get their dinner. At the end I was handed a sandwhich and a juice. I waited and looked around for someone to give it to, but everyone had one already.
After a while, a boy named RJ, that I had previously talked to as his eyes rolled back and forth, came up to me and asked for my food. Without hesitation I give it to him. He then did something that I never expected. Through body language he said here is the only thing that I have that I can give you, as he hands me back the food and says, “Its for you.” My heart fills with love and pain instantly.
We said our goodbyes and left to head back to a warm shower, junk food so I dont starve before the morning comes, and my cozy bed with a nice fan to cool me off so I dont sweat to death.
