"I will never view the homeless the same again!"

On an unusual warm night in March, college students volunteering with Here’s Life Inner City ventured into Manhattan with Homeless Care Kits. Homeless Care Kits contain a blanket, toothbrush, soap, socks, warm gloves and Christian materials and often serve as the first step of a spiritual journey for a desperate person. Miami of Ohio students encountered over 20 homeless men and women in a dark alcove behind Penn Station. The kits were eagerly accepted.

Soon the students were running across the street to buy food for their new friends. Some sat on the curb carefully listening to a young woman’s story. She was new to the streets and 8 months pregnant. Others huddled closely and prayed for Janine, a woman who’s been homeless for 19 years. University of South Carolina students a few blocks away approached Olivia, an elderly woman sitting across from a dark park. She was nursing her infected foot as it hurt to even put her shoe on. Olivia received the kit and directions to receive medical care and prayer. Students walked away with new compassion, wondering how they could do more. One student said, “I will never view the homeless the same again!” Stereotypes were broken, steps of faith were taken, and the most unlikely friendships were formed.

God worked mightily through the students who gave their Spring Break to serve the needy people of New York. Students not only ministered to the homeless but also served with many of Here’s Life partners in soup kitchens, shelters and after-school programs.

I worked closely with a group from First Baptist Church of Columbia, SC! What a neat opportunity to serve alongside old friends. I even recognized a few students who used to be in the youth group when I helped out there my sophomore year of college. I was so excited to share with them all God is doing in New York City and how they can take what they learn back to South Carolina. I took one group to the after-school program in Harlem. One student enjoyed helping the students so much, she decided she wants to find a place to tutor kids in Columbia!

The students reflected on this verse all week and I encourage you to do the same. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

March 2009 Prayer Letter