On Thanksgiving day we served the homeless of Daytona Beach, Florida Thanksgiving dinner. We served turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, pumpkin pie and more. We served about 80 people. Along with the food, what else did we serve on Thanksgiving day?
Safety: We served 2 hours of safety. Homeless men and women live in constant fear of having their property stolen, being hit over the head or other physical and verbal abuse. It was great to see our homeless guests sitting down and relaxing. You could see in their eyes that they felt safe.
Listening: We served the gift of listening. The homeless want us to look into their eyes and actually listen to what they have to say. I was so impressed with how many of our volunteers actually sat down, listened and entered the real world of our homeless guests.
They weren't called Bums: We served respect. On the streets they are called "bums" or "losers". When our dinner guests arrived we asked what their name was so we could say, "Bill, what would you like to drink?" or "Diane, would you like more gravy?" The homeless have names just like you and me.
Love: We served love. There isn't a lot of love in the lives of the homeless. After the day was over I smelled like cigarettes, alcohol, body order and urine. Why? I hugged them. Have you ever hugged someone and they didn't want you to stop or they didn't want you to let go? That happened many times as I hugged the homeless on Thanksgiving day. I saw volunteers putting hands on their shoulders and shaking their hands. We wanted our guests to feel welcomed and loved.
The Gospel: We tried to serve the Gospel. The homeless HEAR the Gospel day after day just to get a free sandwich. I pray that our homeless guests SAW the Gospel while we were serving food, safety, respect and love. Isn't that the kind of Gospel we all need to SEE on Thanksgiving day and everyday?
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Thanks to all of the volunteers and donations from First United Methodist Church, Tomoka Christian Church, Covenant United Methodist Church and my friends from Twitter: @ChristineBlake, @PaganKelly, @JohnBeattyArt, @BtotheEtotheN @EdenSalon and @BebeLeStrange68
Nice post! Instead of "What Did We Serve?" however, I think I would title this "Whom Did We Serve?"
ReplyDeleteBy serving others with love, you ultimately served Him. Blessings!
My brother in law Nick was homeless for short period of time, he past away in June of this year. We saw one man playing football with the kids that reminded all of us of Uncle Nick. I wonder if their paths crossed?
ReplyDeleteThe volunteer turnout was overwhelming. You did a great job Mike in whatever role you played in putting this all together. Thanks Mike!
Jeff and i want to do more....how can we help, Mike???
ReplyDeleteIt felt good to see all the people there, as ONE. I wish I had been more involved.
ReplyDeleteAfter the day was over I smelled like cigarettes, alcohol, body order and urine.
ReplyDeleteWould you believe I'm jealous? We weren't allowed to hug the prisoners, and I really wanted to. I told them if they see me at the store or wherever to be sure and grab me! :D
I am proud of my buddy.
ReplyDeletelouie