This week at kid's camp we went through Job. We talked about all the illness and sufferings that he had to endure. We saw that he lost everything, yet was still faithful and dependent on God.
Last Friday night we went downtown and served the homeless from 9-3a.m. We passed out water, bug spray, and sandwiches and talked to those who were willing to talk with us. We asked them about life. What were they going through, where had they been, and how could we pray for them. Our team split into three groups. I was with Sam and the director of the homeless ministry, Chris. On our walk through the streets, we ran into a homeless man who stopped us. He asked us what we were doing. Wondering why we were out at night in the city of Memphis. Told us how dangerous it was. We explained to him what we were doing and told him about Jesus. As we spoke to him, he stopped us and told us that he is a follower of Christ. He began to share his story with us. Told us how he is trying to get the money to move back to Chicago to be with his family. He told us about his struggles, addictions and the destructive path he took that put him on the streets. He called us his angels. He told us that if we had not talked to him that night, he would have done something bad and dangerous to get the money he needed to see his family. But not only did we get to impact his life, he also impacted ours. There is one thing that he said that I will never forget. "I am alone 90% of the time, (points to the sky) but I am with my Best Friend 100% of the time." This man has lost everything, yet he still is joyful and hopeful because he still has his Best Friend. He gets it. His joy comes from the Lord and it is contagious. As we left, none of us could stop smiling. This man may sleep on the streets, but he has Jesus in his heart. He has lost everything but yet he has all that he need. He knew God would provide. He reminds me of Job. Loving God not just when things seem to be good, but also when everything seems to be falling apart. Depending on God and knowing that He will provide in all situations. I want to be like Job and my homeless friend. Always depending and relying on God in the good times and bad. I pray that if I lose everything I remember that I have all I need in Christ. In my Best Friend.
