Lauren.

During debrief from today's outreach, one of our volunteers, Lauren, had this to say:

"What possibly could a high school girl from Indianapolis do to help the homeless in NYC... Then this happened: A man asked for a spoon, I handed it to him, and he just started telling me all about his life and how he was addicted to heroin and that he wanted to get clean and go to rehab, then I connected him with Josiah Haken [the Outreach Leader at that site], and Josiah got him connected with a plan and next steps"

That. Is. Amazing!

Love God, Love others.

Amazing how simple it can be sometimes. :)

Have you ever wanted to come out and serve with me on the streets, but felt like you cannot for one reason or another? I'd say that this story proves otherwise. Like our founder, Richard Galloway says, "God uses those who show up". Come out and see how God can use someone as unskilled and foolish as you... I'd know, He uses me every day in one way or another. 

Much love my friends! 

Paul.

"I can't stop drinking, I haven't bathed in 2 months, and I'm walking 10 miles a day to find leftover beer and cigarettes in trash cans. I can't do this anymore. I'm going to die."

- Paul

I was just a part in this man's life.

Ruben is the one that has been stopping to talk with Paul at the Elizabeth train station where he has been living. He is the one that, in Paul's words on how they came to know each other, "just kept coming over and talking to me". He is the one that brought Paul to our offices today.

Despite his smell or drunkenness, Ruben kept loving Paul where he was at.

Because of this, Paul has had his first shower in 2 months today. Is sleeping in a bed tonight with the care of amazing doctors and nurses. Will get the opportunity to relax care free for a few days. Will have the chance to go to a long term program where he can be counseled and get his life together. Will have another chance at life.

Will not die alone and on the streets like he thought he was going to!!!

All this, because a 22 year old man decided to do what was right and not live in the "norm" of what everyone else was doing in ignoring this man.

Thank you Ruben for showing us how to care for and love the broken.

Thank you for not walking by, but stopping to SEE and LOVE.

*Update* 
Paul has completed detox and has entered a long term discipleship program in Newark!