Homeless Outreach
One of the cool things about our Union Station location is it's proximity to the Capitol. It's only four blocks away. We feel called to reach those who live and work on the Hill. But we're also four blocks from the largest homeless shelter in DC. We really feel like reaching out to those who have next to nothing is part of our calling. We've got an amazing homeless outreach called In Service that hits the streets every weekend.
I had a cool encounter with one of the guys who lives on the street and is part of NCC. He said, "I can sing." I've watched American Idol enough to know that not everybody who says they can sing can sing :) But this guy sang a song for me and I was blown away. What an instrument. I really want to have him sing at NCC.
John Hasler, our In Service Coordinator, sent me another testimony of a homeless woman who has been attending NCC that was so encouraging. She said, "For the first time in my life, and I'm 42 years old, I enjoy coming to church. Most of the churches I have been too judge you by your appearance."
Praise God and pass the popcorn!
That'll keep you going another week :)
I had a cool encounter with one of the guys who lives on the street and is part of NCC. He said, "I can sing." I've watched American Idol enough to know that not everybody who says they can sing can sing :) But this guy sang a song for me and I was blown away. What an instrument. I really want to have him sing at NCC.
John Hasler, our In Service Coordinator, sent me another testimony of a homeless woman who has been attending NCC that was so encouraging. She said, "For the first time in my life, and I'm 42 years old, I enjoy coming to church. Most of the churches I have been too judge you by your appearance."
Praise God and pass the popcorn!
That'll keep you going another week :)
3 Comments:
I too am totally blessed and encouraged by In Service. I haven't yet gotten involved, but just knowing that this group of people is part of our church community has made me smile and be a little more welcoming to any homeless I meet on the street.
I still have a long way to go in being unconditional like Christ, but I'm grateful for the impact In Service is having on me! You rock John Hasler :)
That is an AWESOME story!! I love that... I was 16 years old before I found a church that I enjoyed going to... I feel so blessed that it was only 16 years now!
Mark,
FWIW, I used you guys and The Journey as examples of people who are doing outreach really well. Ever since I read "The Street Lawyer" by John Grisham I have had a flame in the back of my head/heart somewhere for homeless people. I encounter them now in my daily work, but most of the time I have to kick them out of wherever they are, not hand them a sandwich and tell them about Jesus. Too bad.
See ya in a few days!!
Post a Comment
<< Home