Homeless People's Needs

   The greatest need for homeless people is the same as for those who live in homes; the Gospel. Homeless people are generally familiar with the Gospel. Many were raised in churches, but many really don't know what the Gospel is about. That is why we share the Gospel with them as we would with anyone else on the streets or in our homes. There are a few bitter homeless people who are angry at God, and then there are those who ramble on and on and make no sense of what they are saying. But many of them will listen and God will use His word to minister to their souls.
   The homeless need shelter, obviously, as well as food and clothing. We ran into a challenging situation Saturday as we were ministering downtown.
   There was a man in a wheelchair. He was a real friendly guy who was homeless due to going through an expensive divorce and a few other things. Now he finds himself in a wheelchair with a broken back. He is unable to work, for obvious reasons. His back is broken and was detected a day after he was in the hospital, and workers comp is trying to get out of paying for his bill by saying the broken back was discovered after the fact. Not only is this man homeless, but he also cannot stay at homeless shelters because they are not insured and could be sued if something goes wrong while he is staying there. One place would take him in, but he would have to go up stairs. This man says he is not bitter at God, and believes God has a plan for him in all this difficulty. Not only was he homeless, but his nephew also is. His nephew's wife is seven months pregnant and they have no place to stay right now. They also have a five year old son with them. All of them are on the streets tonight, because there is no place for them to be.
   While we were out there, it started raining. We packed up and everyone headed to their cars. I couldn't help but wonder where all the homeless people would stay for this evening. They needed to be under some shelter to avoid getting wet. I wonder where the man in the wheelchair ended up last night.
   I am grateful to minister to these people. My heart is heavy in knowing that we cannot find a place for people such as this man and his family. We were able to supply them with plenty of food for the evening, some clothes and bedding, as well as toys. This is where we can be praying for God to show Himself mighty. This is where the church can come in to serve.
   The family left, having heard the Gospel. I gave the man in the wheelchair a New Testament, as well as some tracts with contact numbers. The nephew wanted a Bible too, so I gave him one. May God take care of this family, and give us creative ways we can help as well!