Hinshaw: What would Wesley do?
creede hinshaw | Friday, March 13, 2009 at 12:30 am
(Photo: Savannah Morning News)
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This is a true story about two metal outstretched hands on Reynolds Square.
I basked in the sunshine last Friday morning on a park bench in Reynolds Square (the northernmost square on Abercorn Street), having pedaled my bike downtown in the glorious weather. Azaleas were already abloom there. A mockingbird graced the square with song and a honeybee perched on my blue jeans enjoying the sunshine with me.
A bronze John Wesley presides over Reynolds Square, standing atop a pedestal and garbed in his English vestments, his left hand holding a bible and his other arm outstretched in the direction of the Lucas Theatre.
The nearby historical marker quotes the sculptor as saying, "Wesley's right hand is stretched out in love."
On a bench across the way sat a woman with a hooded sweatshirt and a plastic bag stuffed with her possessions. Soon a lanky blue jeans-clad man, carrying a bedroll sat on the bench next to mine. He lights a cigarette and we strike up a conversation.
He is in his early 50s, he says, an ex-con twice over having spent 10 years "paying his debt to society" as he describes it. He's been in Savannah six months and wants to find a full-time job as a roofer or a carpenter, but nobody's hiring... especially ex-cons.
He gets odd jobs, but never enough to afford a room for the night. And so he sleeps in ditches and homeless shelters.
We talk about the twists and turns of life. He says he would never have imagined 30 years ago that he'd in his present situation. I ask him about his parents. Could he stay with them? They are in their late 70s, he says, and it's all they can do to care for themselves, so he doesn't burden them.
He's come to Reynolds Square because Christ Church serves a free sack lunch later in the morning and he's going to wait in line soon. I must look trustworthy to him because he asks me if I'll watch his bedroll while he finds a bathroom.
Returning to the square he moves to "my" bench and spotting my newspaper asks if he can read the sports section. He reads while I write in my journal. We talk some more and he is on his way.
Later, as I leave the square, I notice the depiction of another outstretched hand, this one emblazoned on a metal sign affixed to a post at about eye level. The open palm of the hand has 40 cents falling into it, dropping as if from heaven. But the hand is encircled in bright red with a red slash running diagonally across the palm. Beneath this symbol are the words:
NO PANHANDLING
City Code 9-1001
I am glad this warning stands at John Wesley's back where he cannot gaze upon it. I believe he would disapprove.
The benches in the square are not church pews, but they could be. And the people sitting on these benches, many of them poor, are not Wesley's parishioners, but they probably would have been.
It may be against the law to beg for food or money in Savannah. But it's not against the law to give voluntarily, and I'm glad churches are freely doing so.
__________________________
James called me tonight because someone had told him about the above article. He was very upset, to say the least. The person that told him about the article, also told him they published the location of the ditch he sleeps in. He was afraid he would be arrested tonight after he laid the shower curtain down on the cold ground and then covered himself up with his blanket.
After reading the story about him, I called him back and read it to him. He felt much better about the contents and the fact that he would not have to find another "safe" place to sleep.
James is a sweet, sweet man who loves The Lord. He is trying to have faith that God is going to pluck him out of the valley that he is in. He told me tonight that sometimes he stays up all night, under an entrance to a business, where there is light, and dives into God's word. When was the last time I stayed up all night with The Lord?
Later on this month, James has a job for about one week, helping another man that I have blogged about earlier. David was homeless when he first started coming to the park to feed on Sundays. Eventually, he found a place to live and is now in the process of starting his own construction business. That is who is giving James a chance to make some money this month. James is planning on using that money to rent a room for a couple of weeks. With all of his heart, he is trusting in The Lord to provide the means to stay in that room, indefinitely.
Please pray for this incredible, humble man, whom I am proud to call my friend. Pray big. Don't ask God to do something small in his life, but to move mountains for His faithful child.
P.S. At the end of Hinshaw's article he said that he was glad it was not against the law to give money voluntarily. He gave James $20.00 as they parted ways that day.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Cold, wet day in the park
Saturday night brought bad, bad storms. I don't remember ever hearing such rain and loud thunder. I listened to it from the comforts of my warm, dry bed. Thoughts of my homeless friends that were sleeping in ditches, under overpasses, in bushes and on park benches crept into my dreams.
Sunday afternoon when we all showed up to feed in the park, there were a lot of wet, cold people waiting to eat. Those that slept out in the environments, had a hard, miserable night. The lucky ones that got a bed or a place on the floor of a shelter were also wet. You see, the shelters make the people leave at 5:30 a.m., so they were kicked out in the torrential downpour.
Wrapped in a wet sleeping bag
A couple along with their daughter, who is in 2nd grade, has been coming to the park for lunch the past month or so. The little girl has no clothes to fit her. She is always wearing her mom's very large clothes. Not only does she not have her own clothes, she only has a pair of flip flops to wear in this winter season. Yesterday was like Christmas to her! She received 2 brand new pairs of shoes, a coat, a hat, ( that set her off into a giggle attack), pants and some toys! All of this was made possible by volunteers that give up their time on Sunday afternoons to love on God's children.
Kateri with her new shoes and new coat! Just her size!
Kateri and Rhonda The hat that tickled Kateri's funny bone! Priceless.....
When I asked if I could take a family picture, Rex, the father, told me they had never had their picture taken all together. I cannot wait to bring them a copy this Sunday!
After we finished up in the park, a few of us took some of our homeless friends out for a cup of coffee!
Samuel, me, Oron and Ben.
Rhonda's boys, James and Justin with our new friend, James. He just walked to Savannah from Charleston and is headed to Florida. God put him in our path, so we bought him a cup of hot chocolate. We had a great time just hanging around the coffee shop and laughing!
As with all my Sundays in the park, it was really great! I am looking forward to the warmer weather however. Come on high 70's that are predicted for this weekend!
Sunday afternoon when we all showed up to feed in the park, there were a lot of wet, cold people waiting to eat. Those that slept out in the environments, had a hard, miserable night. The lucky ones that got a bed or a place on the floor of a shelter were also wet. You see, the shelters make the people leave at 5:30 a.m., so they were kicked out in the torrential downpour.
Wrapped in a wet sleeping bag
A couple along with their daughter, who is in 2nd grade, has been coming to the park for lunch the past month or so. The little girl has no clothes to fit her. She is always wearing her mom's very large clothes. Not only does she not have her own clothes, she only has a pair of flip flops to wear in this winter season. Yesterday was like Christmas to her! She received 2 brand new pairs of shoes, a coat, a hat, ( that set her off into a giggle attack), pants and some toys! All of this was made possible by volunteers that give up their time on Sunday afternoons to love on God's children.
Kateri with her new shoes and new coat! Just her size!
Kateri and Rhonda The hat that tickled Kateri's funny bone! Priceless.....
When I asked if I could take a family picture, Rex, the father, told me they had never had their picture taken all together. I cannot wait to bring them a copy this Sunday!
After we finished up in the park, a few of us took some of our homeless friends out for a cup of coffee!
Samuel, me, Oron and Ben.
Rhonda's boys, James and Justin with our new friend, James. He just walked to Savannah from Charleston and is headed to Florida. God put him in our path, so we bought him a cup of hot chocolate. We had a great time just hanging around the coffee shop and laughing!
As with all my Sundays in the park, it was really great! I am looking forward to the warmer weather however. Come on high 70's that are predicted for this weekend!
Rest for the Soul Weekend
Wow! I cannot believe it has been over one month since I have written on my blog!
Renee, Chris, Heidi, Laura
Last weekend God blessed me with a weekend get-a-way with my girlfriends! We went to Orlando, Florida to see Joyce Meyer. She is an amazing woman of God who has written a bizillion books and has her own T.V. show(s). The conference started on Thursday night. That night, 950 people gave their life to Christ! How cool is that?
Renee (white jacket on right, laying hands on a new believer in Christ)
On Friday we had about a 4 hour break before the evening session began. During the break we walked the streets of Winter Park, Florida and found a great place to eat lunch.
Renee, Chris, Laura, Me, Jody, Robin
After we finished eating, we placed the leftover food in a box. We wrote scripture on the lid and then prayed over it. Then we asked God to show us the exact person to give this food to. The food was carried around all afternoon. No one we saw looked like they were in need of food. So off to the conference we headed. Just as I was about to turn into the arena, I saw a couple sitting by a lake in front of the conference area. I told everyone to hold on as I made a slight illegal lane change and up on the the side walk we went! Jody and I jumped out of my car and with food in hand, proceeded towards the couple. They were very happy to have been given our left overs from lunch. We made sure they knew Jesus, prayed with them and then headed back to the car. As we got in, someone in the back seat asked if we invited them to come to see Joyce Meyer with us. Out jumped Jody to extend the invitation. To our amazement the lady (Tammy) told Jody that Joyce was her and her husband's (Jesse) favorite author/speaker. They said they would LOVE to hear Joyce speak. Off we went to park the car and head inside the arena, not really expecting to see them again. Once inside, Laura had the idea to talk to security about Tammy and Jesse bringing their processions inside the building. Ok, so we, or should I say, God, got that all arranged. Off we were to find our new found friends. To our amazement, they almost met us at the door! They had hid all their stuff in the bushes. It was so awesome to sit next to them for the next 2 1/2 hours! When Joyce came on stage, you would have thought they had both just seen Jesus! Their faces were priceless! Tammy is about to finish her 8th time of reading completely through the bible! Her bible is literally held together by a bumper sticker that is only too appropriate!
If you have read my blog for very long, you have heard me reference my "Jesus perfume."
I know I am wired differently than most (no comment needed by any of you!), but this is what I refer to when I know I have been hugging on Jesus' children who are not as fortunate as myself to be able to bath and put on clean clothes everyday. Well, I got my Jesus perfume on that night, and I LOVED IT! I am not so sure everyone else sitting around us enjoyed the aroma, but I sure did! Before you start passing judgement on me, remember God made me this way!
Renee, myself, Jesse, Tammy, Jody
Saturday morning, we were pleasantly surprised to find Tammy and Jesse sitting up front
at the conference waiting to hear God's word that Joyce was going to bring!
After the conference was over, we headed out to give some more food away to people in need. Jody's small group at her church has a really cool ministy. It is called, "Body and Soul Bags." They make up bags of non perishable food and keep them in their cars and when they seem a homeless person, they give them a bag. Not only are they able to give them food to fuel their body, they also include a tracts to feed their soul. Almost immediately after leaving the arena we spotted a homeless man sitting on the ground. Laura and Chris grabbed a "Body and Soul Bag" and headed out to talk to the man. His name was Phillip and they led him back to Christ!
We spent the evening watching a movie and eating junk food! There are A LOT of details being left out of our last night in Orlando! All I can say is, I don't think I have ever been in such excruciating pain from laughter! Renee, I got you good sister girl, and I have to pictures to prove it! That's all I have to say about that!
I thought I was giving birth, my back hurt so bad from laughing!
Our weekend was a blast! Joyce taught us the cure for stress. It is resting in God.
She taught us that miracles come in "cans." I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Fruit of the spirit can only develop under trial.
We need to sit, stand, walk and run with Jesus.
Sit=enter into God's rest
Stand=against the devil
Walk=with God and life choices
Run=our race to win
So when the enemy starts stirring up trouble for you this week, I encourage you to ask The Lord to deal with him because you are on vacation. He promises to fight our battles for us. May your soul be at rest in Him.
P.S. Forgive me for any editing what needs to be done, I am out the door to church. No worries, my soul is on vacation!
Renee, Chris, Heidi, Laura
Last weekend God blessed me with a weekend get-a-way with my girlfriends! We went to Orlando, Florida to see Joyce Meyer. She is an amazing woman of God who has written a bizillion books and has her own T.V. show(s). The conference started on Thursday night. That night, 950 people gave their life to Christ! How cool is that?
Renee (white jacket on right, laying hands on a new believer in Christ)
On Friday we had about a 4 hour break before the evening session began. During the break we walked the streets of Winter Park, Florida and found a great place to eat lunch.
Renee, Chris, Laura, Me, Jody, Robin
After we finished eating, we placed the leftover food in a box. We wrote scripture on the lid and then prayed over it. Then we asked God to show us the exact person to give this food to. The food was carried around all afternoon. No one we saw looked like they were in need of food. So off to the conference we headed. Just as I was about to turn into the arena, I saw a couple sitting by a lake in front of the conference area. I told everyone to hold on as I made a slight illegal lane change and up on the the side walk we went! Jody and I jumped out of my car and with food in hand, proceeded towards the couple. They were very happy to have been given our left overs from lunch. We made sure they knew Jesus, prayed with them and then headed back to the car. As we got in, someone in the back seat asked if we invited them to come to see Joyce Meyer with us. Out jumped Jody to extend the invitation. To our amazement the lady (Tammy) told Jody that Joyce was her and her husband's (Jesse) favorite author/speaker. They said they would LOVE to hear Joyce speak. Off we went to park the car and head inside the arena, not really expecting to see them again. Once inside, Laura had the idea to talk to security about Tammy and Jesse bringing their processions inside the building. Ok, so we, or should I say, God, got that all arranged. Off we were to find our new found friends. To our amazement, they almost met us at the door! They had hid all their stuff in the bushes. It was so awesome to sit next to them for the next 2 1/2 hours! When Joyce came on stage, you would have thought they had both just seen Jesus! Their faces were priceless! Tammy is about to finish her 8th time of reading completely through the bible! Her bible is literally held together by a bumper sticker that is only too appropriate!
If you have read my blog for very long, you have heard me reference my "Jesus perfume."
I know I am wired differently than most (no comment needed by any of you!), but this is what I refer to when I know I have been hugging on Jesus' children who are not as fortunate as myself to be able to bath and put on clean clothes everyday. Well, I got my Jesus perfume on that night, and I LOVED IT! I am not so sure everyone else sitting around us enjoyed the aroma, but I sure did! Before you start passing judgement on me, remember God made me this way!
Renee, myself, Jesse, Tammy, Jody
Saturday morning, we were pleasantly surprised to find Tammy and Jesse sitting up front
at the conference waiting to hear God's word that Joyce was going to bring!
After the conference was over, we headed out to give some more food away to people in need. Jody's small group at her church has a really cool ministy. It is called, "Body and Soul Bags." They make up bags of non perishable food and keep them in their cars and when they seem a homeless person, they give them a bag. Not only are they able to give them food to fuel their body, they also include a tracts to feed their soul. Almost immediately after leaving the arena we spotted a homeless man sitting on the ground. Laura and Chris grabbed a "Body and Soul Bag" and headed out to talk to the man. His name was Phillip and they led him back to Christ!
We spent the evening watching a movie and eating junk food! There are A LOT of details being left out of our last night in Orlando! All I can say is, I don't think I have ever been in such excruciating pain from laughter! Renee, I got you good sister girl, and I have to pictures to prove it! That's all I have to say about that!
I thought I was giving birth, my back hurt so bad from laughing!
Our weekend was a blast! Joyce taught us the cure for stress. It is resting in God.
She taught us that miracles come in "cans." I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Fruit of the spirit can only develop under trial.
We need to sit, stand, walk and run with Jesus.
Sit=enter into God's rest
Stand=against the devil
Walk=with God and life choices
Run=our race to win
So when the enemy starts stirring up trouble for you this week, I encourage you to ask The Lord to deal with him because you are on vacation. He promises to fight our battles for us. May your soul be at rest in Him.
P.S. Forgive me for any editing what needs to be done, I am out the door to church. No worries, my soul is on vacation!
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