Missional Moments — Reflections on Street Ministry (Gentle Road, 2024 09 19)

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As reported by Pastor Kevin Vance, on his experience with his inner-city ministry people, of just the previous evening.

Gentle Road: Reflections on street ministry

Last night we made 240 lunches for the street, took them out and prayed with people.  This is one of my highlights each month, and last night was no exception.

I love watching our people minister on the streets.  At one point we were praying for a family that was homeless since Aug 1st.  The conversation warmed up over time.  One of our ladies took the initiative and exchanged phone numbers with her, and arranged to take her around today to help her access resources.  Word on the street is that many organizations that are supposed to help the homeless are overburdened and actually aren’t able to help.  This is frustrating not only for the unhoused but also for the staff that work in these organizations, because they want to help but are limited by a lack of resources (e.g. not enough staff, nowhere to house people, systems and policies that are too rigid and unrealistic).  Often the people on the street who are the most persistent or have someone along to advocate for them are the ones who are successful in moving forward.  By our sister taking this initiative, she was showing great love and kindness, giving her time and energy and experience to help a family get housed.  Advocacy – it’s a huge gift.  Thank you Lord!
At the same location, 3 women walked up who looked in fairly rough condition.  Another of our ladies, a former addict herself, began sharing the gospel with them.  “Jesus is my best friend…  I used to be just like you…  Jesus changed my life…  He can help you, we want to help you.”  She is an Indigenous elder, so the women were listening intently.  Along came a 4th woman, who was really leaning in and was moved by what she said.  A man showed up and started listening too.  It was a beautiful moment.  I was so proud of Doreen for sharing her faith.  People on the street will listen to her far more readily than they will to me – because she is Indigenous, has been in their shoes, and has street credibility.  I am alongside as well, but my greatest joy is seeing our Indigenous people shine as they share their faith!
If you want to see pictures from last night, there are 2 posts on Gentle Road’s FB page.
https://www.facebook.com/GentleRoadChurchOfChrist
Pray for the resources for the homeless to meet the need!
Pray for the individuals we met last night, that they come to Christ and find freedom!
Pray for the homeless family, that they will be housed.
Kevin Vance
First published:  2024/09/21