Tuesday, July 17, 2007

The Mission Field

When we think of a Mission Field, generally we think of Foreign Soil. This morning Barry and I along with two other guys went downtown Detroit to pass out water. This Mission Field is truly inside of Hell's Gates--just 16 miles from home.

Mark 9:41 says whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Proverbs 17:5 says whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Today, once again, we learned much, maybe too much, about "street life". We left there crying and thanking God for being able to minister to people that have no where to go and nothing to do, as evidenced by some of the pictures.
As soon as we gave this lady some water, the first question she asked after that was do you have any food? I am so hungry. We didn't have any with us. She said she was waiting for a job.

This is where many of the people live.

Another thankful man for water, along with myself, Brother Mark and Brother Derek.

This man was thankful for water and a tract.

Geneva said that she is on heroin and sometimes crack cocaine and wants so badly to quit. She is 61 years old. She also has a mentally challenged son at home. (Geneva is not homeless). We prayed with her right then. She asked us, how do I quit. What would your answer have been?? How long do you think it has been since most churches have ministered to a heroin addict? Jesus went to met "them" whomever that may have been, right where they were. They didn't generally come to the church. We told her we were going to ask people to pray for her. She was very sweet. She said that she has been to 4 rehabs and they don't work. She is a member of a church and really seemed to love Jesus. She said she is saved, but just so addicted to drugs she doesn't know how to get off of them. She has tried and tried quitting. She is very disappointed with herself. What are you addicted to???

This man had no shoes when we got there.

Whatever your preconceived idea may be about the homeless, some are very intelligent. Some had great jobs. Some had wonderful homes. Some had wonderful families. From what we saw today, it doesn't matter who you are, what color you may be, what educational status you may have...God has been good to you if you are not in this situation! We have so much to be thankful for.

We met another lady, Debbie, that we didn't take a picture of that said her grand kids have been missing since yesterday. She asked us to please pray that they would be found safe. We prayed with her right there.

Another lady, Linda, has breast cancer and needed prayer. We prayed with her also.

Some people don't really want prayer. Some do, it just depends. Almost every person that we encountered said "God Bless You" to us. They were all very polite and thankful we were there.

We will be doing this for at least the next two Tuesday mornings. What an awesome opportunity to share God's love! Please pray for us as well as all of the souls that we encounter!
BY HIS STRIPES!!!

10 comments:

Margie said...

you are amazing!!!!!!!!

Send those addicts to Grace Centers of Hope, they can be helped there!!!

Arlene - BY HIS STRIPES!!! said...

I will check them out. Thanks!

Terry said...

Dear Arlene...You are such a kind person..all of those dear people out there all alone and hungry and thirsty and you are not only giving them your love, but also an open ear to listen to their troubles.
Usually who cares?
That is the attitude of most people!
God bless you dear Arlene and Barry....Love Terry

Felisol said...

Dear Arlene,
you are a rolemodel and a brave and honest one.
I guess I don't have your courage, or maybe I'm too lazy, too occupied with my own petty troubles.
I think I am addicted to coffee. I also think one may be saved in spite of an addiction.
But what a horrible life. The least I can do is praying.
It is a wonder that you are able to "walk the streets" and care so much for others while being ill yourself.
I am truely learning something every day among the Pilgrim Pals.

Rebecca said...

This is a very interesting and challenging post. True, there are people in need around every corner.

Debra said...

It is God's grace and His grace alone that enables us to walk the streets of any city, town, village. It is His burden for the people, being raised up in our own hearts and minds and expressed through us by the Holy Spirit. To some He gives the courage and boldness and anointing of the Holy Spirit to do this particular assignment of being a face to the people that others pray for. It is truly a privilage and a huge blessing of experience for both those giving and those receiving.
Having had the privilage myself of being given such an assignment by our Father and completely equipped for it, is what keeps my heart tender towards those who are called to this mission field 24/7. When we see and understand our Father's perspective and His heart towards people we are changed. Amen!

Sara said...

i needed this today. so good. and such a reminder of who you are. you are not defined by cancer. again; you bless me.

Praise and Coffee said...

Oh I love that! I used to be involved in street ministry and I was so blessed by it.
I believe that we have to go into the world to love it- they are not all coming into church to be loved.

Bless you! God has His hand on you.
Sue

Terry said...

Dear Arlene...Thanks for your visit.
YOU are the one that is a encouragement to me and to so many others.
God bless you dear Arlene.....love Terry

Amrita said...

I was so touched by your account of your ministry to the homeless. hope Geneva gets help.

God be with you and your team.