I don’t have much time, so I’m going to try to make this quick! In the process of doing so I might skip a lot of details; bear with me!
So, Friday afternoon I arrived in ATL. I met my team and figured we’d soon be heading to training camp. Instead we were given $20 and some instructions: get to the 89 Ellis Street, Atlanta GA. The task was simple, but exciting. The excitement of meeting of everyone in person for the first time, taking a train through the amazing city (Yes, I love the city, graffiti and all), and realizing I packed too much stuff as I trekked from location to location.
Anyways, we arrived at the Safe House, one of the largest shelters in Atlanta, and headed across the street to a conference room. New task: go out in Atlanta and do some ministry. Essentially, see where God leads us. And, as most of you back home back know, I was pretty excited. This exactly what I do every weekend.
Anyway, as the title suggest, we met with a man by the name of Eddie. He was homeless, but really interesting. At first, he we pretty pensive and we parted ways, but a few minutes later we see him coming back our way. The perfect time to ask him if he needs prayer! Which he did; his feet hurt after a day of walking. So we prayed with him, sat down on the street corner and got to know him. Turns out he’s ex-Navy, loves food, and has no kids. To make a long story short, we decided to buy him a meal. I asked if his feet were alright to walk for another thirty minutes and he says, “Man, I’d never skip a free meal.” So, we got him twenty chicken wings — half spicy, half teriyaki. He loved it, and to an extent, I think, even loved us. I don’t quite remember all the details of our last words, but he did emphasize and reemphasize how “good of people” we are. How wonderful is that?
One of my favorite ideas is “share the Gospel, but only use words when necessary.” That night, I think we did just that. We didn’t need to read scripture or speak the Gospel–not that those things are bad–but can you imagine how much more powerful it is to just live, show, and reflect love, hope, and healing? Besides, he, like so many others living in the Bible Belt, have heard the Gospel already. What he and so many others need is to see the Gospel played out in real life by real people.
I pray that he found some love, some hope, and some healing in us.
God Bless!,
Nathan
