Saturday, January 23rd. Our last night. Thirty of us gathered around campfire in our makeshift tent city. Stories were shared as we stood warming and reflecting on what the week meant to us. One thing was clear, people really had fun during the week! We all felt meaningfully engaged in a mission that deeply matters for people who are hurting! We shared, we prayed, we sang, we laughed and went to bed satisfied that our week had been well spent. Passionate about next year and the prospects of increased awareness, participation and local impact!
Our last night was the coldest of all! We awoke early Sunday morning to ice chips on our tent. Sweet relief was (in part) the early morning realization that I would be soon folding up the sleeping bags, taking down the tent, removing layered clothes and heading to a large home with a soft bed and warm environment! Our symbolic week of homelessness is ending…their ongoing struggle is continuing. It was such a joy to share this week not just with Central Church campers. We also had folks from South Hills Church, Bethel, Cathedral of Joy, The Bridge and Desert Springs Covenant Churches. I pray the body of Christ will expand even more in the years to come. Yes, the team felt a resounding conviction to return for the “second annual!” January 2011 here we come!
Sunday evening means rest, return and relief for tent city campers. Sunday evening for real homeless people means another week of uncertainty. May the Lord our God be a refuge and home to the homeless. “Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself…Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah” (Psalm 84:3a, 4).