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A group of us went out to the tent camps again yesterday, delivering food and water to the homeless in the city. The brokenness of the homeless was displayed through empty alcohol bottles, tattered clothing and rotting sleeping bags. Not every camp we visited had occupants, but we could tell people live there. We left food for them and prayed over their camp, that God would bless the people living there and bring them to Him.
We met some people yesterday. People who were welcoming of us and in need of a Jesus who cared about them. And we (only because of Jesus in us) brought to them that love their souls longed for. They ate up the food in a hurry, but it is our hope that the encouragement and hope we brought them will last much longer. And we can keep praying for them. Please keep in your prayers Alvin, Vicki, Donny and Sharon. Pray that they would find hope and healing. Pray that they would find shelter and the help they need to get back on their feet again. Pray that they would find restoration and new life in Jesus.
Eighteen of us - 16 adults and 2 youth - visited tent camps in Des Moines today.
Tent camps are where homeless build their own shelters and fill them with food, bedding and other supplies. And many tents are set up alongside each other, hence why they are referred to as camps. Hope Ministries visits these camps every weekend, rain or shine or snow.
We visited two big tent camps in two different areas of town. We met several people, heard personal stories, and gave them some food for their camps. The reason Hope Ministries goes to these camps each week is not just to hand out food, but also to build relationships with the people who stay there and encourage them to come to Bethel Mission, where they house homeless men and serve more than 10,000 meals a month. Once at Bethel Mission, Hope Ministries gives them the opportunity to look for jobs and apartments, helping them make that transition back into society.
It was a powerful experience today, and many of us found our hearts broken. We encourage all to pray for Al, Melano, Willard, Bobby, Dwight and Don - that God would meet them where they are at and lead them to Bethel Mission.
The Vineyard is excited about partnering with Hope Ministries as we learn more about God’s heart to serve the least, lost and broken. Please feel free to post any comments and reactions from today’s experience.
