A Nuisance or an Opportunity?

How do you see people? Jonathan Storment, preacher at Highlands Church in Abilene, TX, once said that the real miracle of Jesus was not healing the leper, but in actually seeing the leper for who he really was, a child of God. This particular sermon of Jonathan's struck a special chord with me.

Since beginning our street ministry nearly 18 months ago, Doug and I have encountered many comments and many questions; aren't you afraid, what if you catch something, "those" people can't be helped, you are fighting a losing battle, it's too much heartache...well you get the drift. I once was able to just shrug it off and recognize that with prejudice comes fear and that it is easier to judge a group of people that we know nothing about than to really accept our flaws as Christians.

How many of us walk or drive by a homeless or poor person daily? Most of us will continue by without stopping. Many of us will stare straight ahead and never acknowledge that there is a human presence. It is that very act of dehumanizing that allows us to justify our actions. I too am ashamed to admit that I am guilty of these very actions.

God commands all of us to share what is good and to share our faith, or to evangelize. But what if sharing your life is more than evangelizing? What if it means sharing your heart, your love, your resources and your life?

I came to the Philippines expecting to open an orphanage, but God had other plans. On our very first street feeding, I literally almost tripped over a newborn baby lying on the sidewalk. As I held that baby and spoke with his mother, Jennifer, I knew God was about to rip apart all of my prejudices and fears. I don't really remember when God changed my "they" into an "us",  but I know He has because now when I hear those thoughtless comments I am barely able to hide my anger. I feel like a mother bear protecting her cubs. You cannot write off groups of people you don't know much about because underneath it all is buried the image of God!

I love our work! I love our families! I am blessed to be able to go out on the streets, to our F.A.I.T.H. Homes, to the schools and to squatter areas. My passion comes from knowing that we will never treat people better than we can see them! Those beautiful children begging on the streets or that crippled man sitting on the sidewalk, or that insanely dancing elderly lady on the street, they are not nuisances or trash to be swept away. They are God's opportunity for you to share the gospel.   Do you take God up on His opportunity?

"When the gospel takes root, really takes root, it makes it impossible to treat people any less than the way God has treated us!"
Jonathan Storment