One man, Tom, is a victim of a very violent crime that left him terribly disfigured. He now feels very awkward in social groups, but longs to worship with God's people. He dropped off a hand-made flier saying he wants to do handyman work to make money to get by (he is in a hotel and on a low disability payment). He loves the Lord and has been very blessed to come volunteer at the church.
Wayne, a man who spent a couple of nights in our winter shelter--and bought pizza for the other guys with his day-labor earnings-- came by. He has some terrible infection causing open sores all over his body. He needs to get to Ventura where he can get some special free medical care. We paid for his train ticket there. He was very very grateful.
Melvin came by just wanting to use a phone to call Volunteers of America to get into rehab. He said, I am a chronic alcoholic and God is telling me to get into rehab before this kills me. Most days I wake up and my first thought is, 'Where can I get a beer?' but today, my first thought was, 'how can I keep form finding a beer and get help?'" He was given a time to show up. We gave him some nutrition bars and things and sent him on his way. He was filled with gratitude for the
Harold came to our door desperate and wanting to talk to a pastor. After a brief conversation he agreed to settle for talking to me. He tells me, "I'm killing myself with drugs and I need to get into a rehab place, but they are all full. I need help."As his story unfolded I learned that Harold is the son of a pastor and has faith in God. When I delve into the circumstances of his life for the past few years I learn that he recently got out of Federal Penitentiary and soon began using crystal meth. He was clean and neatly dressed and carried a big zippered portfolio with him. We talked for quite some time and I also learned that Harold plays piano and is quite an accomplished artist. He showed me some of his drawings and they were very good indeed. He told me he even makes money playing piano and selling his drawings to tourists. Seems though that any money he makes goes into drugs instead of his basic needs. Before he left Harold asked if he could play the piano he could see from where we sat. I agreed and he sat down and began playing beautifully and singing a song that was a beautiful jazzy hymn to God. He told me he'd written them himself. As he played four very young kids walked into the room with their music teacher. She let them go up and stand right by Harold as he played and sang. I could tell the kids were enthralled and Harold--Harold got a big smile on his face and I could tell he was relishing playing for the kids. Since it had been sprinkling today we went to the Ladle office to check the weather. Rail was predicted for overnight. I offered to let him leave his portfolio in the office overnight and he was relieved to be able to do so. I will see him tomorrow when he comes to pick it up. He will be invited to join the Ladle staff for lunch and we can talk more. Perhaps he will play some more songs--and draw closer to God...
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