My last morning was the best way for me to finish I could have hoped for.
I went out for coffee with Rebecca Pokryska, whose heart burns so brightly for the lost hurting and homeless it could replace the sun. The place we checked first didn’t open for another hour; so we decided to check out another place that I found online the night before.
As we walked I noticed a man sitting on the ground, his son curled under a small blanket sleeping as best he could in the chilly morning air. The police were talking to him checking his identification as we approached.
Then Rebecca stepped in.
She picked up the boy and told the police she was going to buy food for him and his father. The officers didn’t really know how to take that, so they walked off with the boys father as we went across the street to purchase food.
I watched the police nervously, wondering if they were arresting this boys father. Not knowing what we would do if they did.
Thankfully a few minutes later he came back, the officers now taking a turn to watch and see what was happening. We gave them each a sandwich and a hot drink. The man was so cold he couldn’t open his sugar packets with how bad he was shivering.
I opened them for him and pouring them into his coffee. He took sips as his legs uncontrollably shook beneath him.
But Rebecca wasn’t done there. She asked me to find a place so they could sit down to eat and warm up. I was a little reluctant to leave her alone but knew I didn’t have a choice.
They were freezing.
I found a coffee shop and we all went inside. We drank our coffee, joked with each other even though we spoke two different languages. Eventually he told us through hand gestures that he would like to shave but didn’t have anything.
So the plan was formed to take them back to our hostel and see what we could do about it. Praying on the way that the receptionist would allow them in.
I was a doubtful and hesitant, even offering to stay outside with them while Rebecca went in to check. She just took them straight inside, nothing would stop her determination to see these two warm and taken care of.
We spent the next couple of hours with them, getting them tea, allowing them to take a sink shower. Washing the dirt of the street out of their hair. It didn’t stop with us either our squad mates started bringing out sleeping bags, pillows, sweaters and gloves.
The bag containing their few possessions was completely full now.
Though we were only with them for about three hours, I won’t forget them. They reminded me that ministry never stops. It doesn’t matter that the race is over or that I’m heading back to Canada.
My life is always going to involve ministry and caring for people. I will constantly be striving to show more love and compassion. Even when things are hard I’m going to move forward because God’s told me “Everything’s going to be ok, I got this!”
