Encompass Blog
June 2022 Blog Article
When we first started at the
City Team Men’s Shelter,
there was a fella who often dropped by,
more then likely on his way to being pretty drunk.
He always had the worst dad jokes possible
and oft managed to weave them into the conversation
such that we never knew if this was a new topic or new joke.
Born overseas, in a war zone, he has a troubled spirit.
Despite that, he is articulate,
skilled I learned through conversation, and still,
often drunk and living out of his car.
Sometimes he needed supplies and more often then not,
really needed someone to chat (and joke) with.
He is always enjoyable to chat with and
we always worried about his situation.
He has family in the San Joaquin Valley and would upon occasion,
drive out to visit them.
Around two months ago, he didn't drop by for a couple of weeks.
Then one Sunday he appeared, looking pretty good and stated he had a job.
He said hi and went back to his car.
A few minutes later he returned and handed each of us
who were on duty a folded piece of paper and left.
Inside was a note thanking us for sticking by him in his time of trouble and,
a $100 bill.
We didn't see him for around a month and then,
this Sunday, he reappeared looking happy, sober and with a plan.
He is living in his car until he can purchase an RV
for which he will rent a space to park for so that he can save for a house.
This is so exciting.
Sometimes, despite ourselves,
the Spirit uses us to make a change in someone's life.
Praise God for all She does through us
with the Spirit and thanks to all for your support.
Encompass
