“Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom He promised to those who love Him?” James 2:5
This month, my team has been working at a drop in center for the homeless named Kawan which means “friend” in English. Those in the community with low or no incomes come to Kawan for food, showers, a toilet, and a safe place to rest. Soon after arriving each morning, we serve tea which consists of Milo (a drink similar to Hot Chocolate) and buttered bread. The people who come in eat quickly and then head upstairs where they can shower, sleep, or receive counseling. During this time, we begin the meal preparations which we then serve to an average of 100 people. After serving a hot, delicious lunch, we have the opportunity to sit down with the dear friends we have made this month and hear their stories and pray with them.
There is a lot of heartache and despair to be found as I hear about drug addictions, prison sentences, and loneliness.
There is also a lot of hope as I listen to other stories of lives that have been changed and transformed by their newfound relationships found with Jesus Christ through the church services Kawan offers each Saturday morning.
It’s always hard to find the words to say as I struggle for a quick fix or an answer in response to their struggles but I love that I serve a God I can trust with all my “why’s” and with each of the lives of the people I come in contact with this year. I love that Jesus bring grace, and redemption and hope. I cling to that now, because it’s the only thing I know how to do.
