Sandwich Day 3 : September 25, 2007

The menu is brisket sandwich, chips, apple and bottled water. Lisa joined Rick and me this week. She also provided the sandwiches from the brisket that her husband, Joe, had smoked the night before. What a blessing! Oh…and Rick was sure to bring the Bibles!

Howard

Claude is sitting on the corner and is heading for Alabama with Joe who is sitting on the other side of highway. Claude is wearing a cowboy hat and receives the lunch with gratitude. I asked him if he had Jesus and his answer was that he believed but wasn’t really living right. I handed him a little pamphlet that is the book of John and I told him to read this and get back on track! He took the pamphlet with a smile. Lord, please bring him back.

Joe is sitting under the overpass with Mary who has been on streets for 3 years, and a fellow named James. They have two dogs with them who seem to be happy with their pack. I had to go back to the truck for more sandwiches so Rick and Lisa will have to report on these folks.

Neil – Rick handed lunch thru the truck window as we were at a red light (can’t remember which intersection).

Off Ramp Exit:
Red was standing in the median. He was raised in Austin and just got back from Florida. He suffers from epilepsy and will lose his job once this is found out. He accepted the lunch. As we were going back to the truck, I spoke to the epilepsy and told it to leave his body in Jesus name. I’m believing that he will never have another episode.

The Edge:
Pops – We met him last week but he just wandered up and got lunch and left. This week we spoke for a while. He says that God created the world for us to mess up. I asked him if he knew Jesus and he just nodded his head like saying no. I told him that Jesus was his hope for eternity. I’m not sure if he understood me over the roar of the traffic going by. I pray that next week I will have another chance to explain.

While waiting for the traffic to stop so we could get back to the truck…I for a moment look at the world thru the eyes of these folks. Cars lined up to take that right turn at the light. It was an empty feeling at the blank faces as they go by.

Graham – was at hospital last night – he wears a shirt that says, I don’t bite…I’m just hungry.

James (street name is Rabbit) has been on the street 17 years. What a gentle spirit he has. He said that his backpack had been stolen and he figures that whoever took it needed it more than he did. He says that Jesus is his savior and provider. I prayed with him that his things be restored to him. He then said that he would pray over his lunch that we receive a hundred fold for what we have given. How beautiful – now they are praying over us!

Kevin has been on the streets for 6 months. He said that his circumstances put him here. I gave him a pamphlet and promised that it would change his circumstances.
Grand Ave Parkway
Susie – standing on the corner. Rick handed her a lunch from the truck window. She had lost ID and was waiting to get some kind of license so she can work again. She said that she hated it on the streets and … “this can happen to anyone”.

Like before, we were told “God Bless You” as the lunches were received. Not once did I hear … “Buddha Bless You”…or “ Mohammed Bless You”…The Bible says that the Word is written on our hearts. As always – Dear God, In Jesus name, bless these beautiful people…keep them safe and comfortable.

--Vicki

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Rick - My take..

Lisa and John did a great job on the meals. I am sure it was a very special treat.

First group looked very rough. The only one talking at all really was Mary who had been on the streets for a while. She talked about the new leash law for her dog and how it could affect them. They must get newspapers because they seem to be fairly current on the news. One of them wanted extra apples. They shop mostly in convenience stores so maybe fruit is a little harder to come by. He had half of one eaten before I even got around to asking his name and shaking his hand. Their dogs (2) looked very healthy and protective. They barked a lot but calmed quickly.

This time they seemed to open up more about why they were there. We have heard lost IDs, epilepsy, Leavenworth (The prison), other health issues and just "circumstances" for being where they were.

Rabbit had been out on the street for a long time. He was a vet and said he lost his ID in his backpack when it got stolen and now he had no way to retrieve his veteran’s benefits. It is very sad that many of these folks are Vets. They signed up to give their lives for their country and sure enough they have done just that. They gave all and now they rely on the generosity of others to provide for them. If that isn't faith I don't know what is..

We saw a lot this week and as always we got "God Bless You" from them more than anywhere I go.

--Rick