UNDER THE BRIDGE: The Last Sunday of the Month!

Since this blog is being read in about 30 countries, we are greeting one country every time a post is written.  This week we say, “Hello, Germany, and may God bless you richly.” 

“Hallo nach Deutschland und Gott segne Sie reich.”

 Sleeping in the warm sunshine is like heaven! (Chris and his dog Mouse)

  

  Sunday, October 26, 2014

     “Chris.”

     “Yea, Jean-Luc.”

     “What bothers you the most when sleeping in the street at night, nowadays?”

     “My fingers…yea…my fingers and my toes get cold.”

     Winter’s cold tentacles are reaching further down into the South at this time of the year.  I know this is Florida, but Pensacola is situated in the very northwest part of this otherwise warm state.  When the homeless are used to ninety degrees (F) day in and day out – with eighty percent humidity – anything below eighty becomes cold!  The night temperatures are now creeping into the low fifties.  Next week it is forecast to be in the mid-forties.  By the time winter will be upon us, we will see nighttime temperatures dipping into the thirties and even twenties.  Last year, it went down to a rare six degrees (F) above zero – a killer temperature for us!

     To the homeless, the cold night weather means wrapping themselves up in all the clothing they own and squeezing themselves into a sleeping bag or wrapping themselves up in all the blankets and plastic tarps they may have.  If they live in a camp, a tent may help, along with a campfire. Sleeping alongside their dog (for those that have them) will probably help both of them stay warmer.

     However, it is not that cold, yet.  What is happening now is that they are sleeping less at night and more during the day.  After a cold night that numbs fingers and toes, sleeping in the warm sunshine is like heaven!  Sometimes, we have to wake them up to feed them.  What a life! 

     Don’t kid yourself, though, it’s still basic survival; and it’s painful either way you look at it.

     We are preparing for this time of the year by acquiring warmer clothing – long sleeve shirts, coats, pants, socks, gloves, hats, etc. – along with blankets, sleeping bags and maybe tents, if we can afford them.  We ask everyone we know to contribute these lifesaving items or money to buy them.

Ben in far left; Jonathan, Heather and Taylor, Abby (Jonathan's daughter)

       Today, we were again pleasantly surprised by Heather and Jonathan; saints of God who also minister to the homeless children of God.  We first saw them last week with Jonathan bringing his daughter Abby, and Heather bringing Taylor.  We happen to be feeding the homeless when they came to minister to them, also.   It was a great joy to see the love they have for the “least of these!”

Jonathan is an answer to prayers!

     When Jonathan pulled out his guitar, I was ecstatic!  The homeless love their worship music.  Just this past Friday, we had a home meeting where we prayed for the Lord to send us two people to this ministry; a musician and a prayer warrior - an intercessor.    Today, we are having a service where I will be preaching the word of God.  How appropriate that God would send us a man of God who would worship the Lord with his music.  The homeless were very thankful for a gifted musician like Jonathan (though I heard Heather sing and she has a beautiful voice, also!).

Jonathan in forefront, Heather in yellow

     The homeless were also very thankful for the big box of men’s clothing Heather brought under the pavilion, after the meal.  The men gathered politely around it to pick out items they needed that were their size.  There was plenty for all of them.

     I must explain, at this point how the crowd comes to our Last-Sunday-of-the-Month service.  Some come early and stay the whole time.  A few come for the service (preaching of the Word) and leave.  Some skip the service but arrive just in time for the meal.  Some leave right after the meal, and some linger on, fellowshipping with us and each other.  It’s “come and go” and a very dynamic, busy situation.  We thrive on it.
     We get here at 10:30-11:00 in the morning on the last Sunday of the month when we have a service and a hot meal.  Normally, we come to this camp (the Bay Side Camp) at about two in the afternoon on the other Sundays of the month when we feed them cheeseburgers, and otherwise minister to them.

Guys shopping!

     So, Heather tactfully brought the big box of clothing at the appropriate time after the meal when the people that were left were those interested in being together and fellowshipping.  She also takes pictures of the men wearing some of the clothing for the folks back home who gave so generously.  Heather says it puts a face to their giving.    

     The homeless men and women felt very comfortable with Heather as she ministered to them.  They all agreed that she has the glow of the Holy Spirit upon her, as does Jonathan.  I understand they are considering starting a ministry to the homeless in the town of Milton, about 45 minutes away.  I pray that they will at least be able to come to our services on the last Sunday of each month, as they are such a blessing to all of us.

Paul in foreground giving out fruit pies, Bill dishing out meat balls and sauce,
Jonathan handling the spaghetti, and Heather in back handing out slices of French bread.

  

Everyone finding a place to sit; except Natalie (pink) - she never sits!

     

Servants of the Lord; Heather (L), Jonathan (R). Hot meal comin'.

     We had a large crowd to feed, today; young and old, men and women, and children.  We were all busy dishing out the spaghetti as fast as we could.  We had plenty for seconds and thirds available, if that’s what they wanted.  What the homeless love the most about this meal is that it is HOT.  Most of what they eat during the week are things like cold beans out of the can, cold sandwiches, cold snacks, cold drinks, etc.  So a hot meal becomes a special treat – even during the summer.

"Cricket's" dinner prayer was soooooo sweet!

     While everyone was gathered waiting to eat, Bill asked who would say the blessing.  That’s when “Cricket” excitedly raised her hand and unashamedly came up to pray.  “Cricket” is perhaps not over 10-11 years old, and yet prayed the sweetest blessing straight from the heart.  It touched all of us. Her dad, who also plays the guitar, and played a song on Jonathan’s guitar, is nick-named “Kicker;” because he kicked so much before he was born.  Lex is the wife and the mama.

Lex, the mama (L), Cricket (center), Kicker (L).  Precious saints of  God.

     

(L to R) Jonathan, Cricket, Heather and Kicker playing a song!

    

Even Jason played the guitar, today.  All who played, today,
played like professional musicians!  God is so good!

     This is the last day Natalie will be with us (check out October 13 post).  Her grandma and grandpa, who take loving care of her, are now going to be able to move into a permanent home with her and her seven year old brother.  Praise the Lord!  Natalie, who has boundless energy, is four years old and has been homeless for about three months.  She definitely was the life of the camp and kept everyone in line – I hadn’t heard anyone cuss the whole time she was here! 

Natalie last week, "Who wants one of these?"

Natalie being Natalie!

    

Natalie, grandpa, grandma; all in line for a HOT meal!

   

Grandma and Natalie!

    

      I thank the Lord that we were able to bless her and her grand-parents.  However, I must tell you that if she had stayed here any longer, I would have tried very hard to adopt her!

     And yea, I know, I’ve got a lot of pictures of photogenic Natalie on this post; she is a natural and a world-class model!  She never tires of posing for pictures. 

     Speaking of pictures; are you ready for some?

Chris (L) and Bad Boy Robert!

Chris and Good Boy Robert!

Hold it!  Stosh (R) is thinking!!!

All right, it's over.  He'll be alright!

Chris and "Mouse."  Ahhhhh, the good life!

Say good-bye, Natalie
"Good-bye, Natalie!"

     Good night, folks, and God bless y’all.

Hey, Dude...you should hear the echo in here...in here...in here...!

Der König wird Antworten, "Ich sage euch die Wahrheit, was auch immer du hast eins von den wenigen diese Brüder von mir, du hast mir.'  Matthew 25: 40

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UNDER THE BRIDGE: The Beautiful Face of Homelessness!

Since this blog is being read in about 30 countries, we have decided to greet one

          country every time a post is written.  This week we say, “Hello to France.”         Bonjour la France!  Que la grâce de notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ soit avec vous!

Have you ever seen an angel fly through the air?

Sunday, October 12, 2014

     “Jean-Luc, you gotta help me, brother.”  Shorty was out of breath and held on to my arm tightly as he begged me to help him.  I had never seen fearless Shorty like this before.  I could not quite place the desperate look in his eyes.  It wasn’t fear.  It was…it was…like he was all tied up…yes, that’s it – he had the look of having just lost the freedom the street had to offer (see post Oct. 8, Sept. 5, 2014).  No more drinking, no more coming and going at will, no more just sitting and staring at the ocean.

     Just then, a bright flash lands on the picnic table behind Shorty, bounces off of it and lands on Shorty’s back - quick arms wrapping around his neck.  The giggling and incessant laughing completely changes the look in his eyes to humble submissiveness.

     “You see what I mean!  Help me Jean-Luc – if you love me, brother!

     She guided him around the pavilion like a horse with a bridle.  It seems everyone I spoke to agreed that he deserved it!  Shorty had found his match in Natalie, a very precious four year old little tornado. 

Shorty, you're going to need these new shoes to keep up with Natalie!

     Shorty had shared with me, “Brother, I was sleeping very soundly yesterday morning, having wonderful dreams, warm and comfortable. But then I started to wake up because I felt something on my face.  It was Natalie!  She had her face almost against mine just watching me, and when I opened one eye, she said, ‘You gonna sleep all day, or what?’  Then she jumped on me!”

Natalie says, "Come on, Shorty, let's play!"

    

Can we play with the dog, Shorty?

     Natalie had completely adopted Shorty as her playmate.  Why Shorty?  Because she knew the children she could play with.  Shorty was one of them - a child himself. 

     When Shorty first introduced her to me, she jumped in my arms and I swung her around as she squealed and laughed.  She had found another child to play with and she knew it instantly.

“…unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:3-4

     Natalie captivated everyone’s heart with her openness, faith and love.  She naturally sees the good in everyone and brings it out of them immediately – as she did with Shorty.  Who can resist the gracious Spirit of the Lord in a four year old child of God?  Oh, if we had only a portion of the faith that child had, what wonderful works of God we could do!  Glory to God!

Chris - captivated as Natalie plays with the
coloring book and crayons I brought her!

     Everybody in the camp is her family and watches over her.  Pity the poor person who would dare to hurt her in any way!  It would be better for a stone to be tied around his neck and that he be thrown in the ocean.  It takes a whole camp to raise a child, don’t you know?  She has a seven year old brother who is taken care of by the other grand-parents.  They brag on him that he is also intelligent and has straight A’s in school.  Natalie’s homeless grand-parents take care of her even though all they have is a pickup truck to sleep in.

Grandma and grandpa with their little tornado!

     Please don’t judge or condemn, but instead be ready to love and minister to them.  There are a number of our school children who are homeless and could use your help – from kindergarten and on up to high school.  I know for a fact they’re there because I have personally ministered to them in the classroom.  

     Dennis, who trained with us and has been one of our ministers for almost two years, has some of that childlike faith, as he comes every Saturday to bring the homeless some wholesome food, encouragement and the Word of God. 

Dennis has a loving heart for children!  Here, he feeds Natalie,
which seems to be the only time she ever sits down!

     Dennis had a serious accident a few years ago which doctors said was going to leave him unable to walk.  But, by faith, God healed him and Dennis is well able to walk today.  With his car broken down, one day, he walked ten miles round trip to feed the homeless on that day, proving that the Lord still heals today.

     Yesterday, Dennis brought these precious children of God hot, homemade spaghetti, garlic bread and a cup of sliced peaches – all in a Styrofoam container with fork and napkin.

     He also brought two young ladies from church who are considering coming to minister to the homeless.  Meagan and Leighton are interns who are training to be leaders in the church.  Meagan also sings on the worship team and offered to sing for the homeless at our church service and dinner on the last day of the month.  The homeless LOVE music with their church service and they are looking forward to Meagan singing for them on October 26.  Thanks for coming today Meagan and Leighton!  God bless you both!

L. to R. - Dennis, Leighton, Meagan, Shorty

Shorty, always the life of the party, has no qualms about singing old hymns to everyone!
Now, Meagan, you go ahead and sing THIS boldly to everyone about the Lord!

    

Leighton (standing) and Meagan (right) joyfully ministering to Natalie.

     Gary came over to eat a cheeseburger, today, and shared with us that he had quit smoking now for eleven days!  He had been smoking for 57 years!  He was coughing badly one night, a couple of weeks ago, and he said, “That’s it.  I quit.”  He says he doesn’t even miss a cigarette, and he is already feeling the better for stopping.  He is using an “atomizer” which he will “smoke” decreasingly over the next 90 days.  God bless you, Gary.

Gary and Boomer - together for 15 years!

     Gary’s beautiful German Shepherd, Boomer, is 15 years old.  Gary says he has had him since he could fit him in the palm of his hands.  But, Boomer is on his last stretch and may not make it to the end of the year.  Gary, who is 70 years old, has learned to handle what life dishes out, though losing your best friend will still be tough.

Boomer is driving, today!

 

     The pavilion cement floor was getting covered with sand as the dogs dug deep holes nearby.  If the encroaching sand wasn’t cleaned up and the holes filled up, they might risk being told to leave by the park ranger.  So I brought them a shovel and they went to work.  This is something they might have to do every week in order to take care of their camp.  It was good to see the men working so hard!

Shorty working - with Brianna supervising closely!
Between Brianna and Natalie, Shorty can't get away with anything, anymore!!!

     

Chris showing good form with the overhand grip!

     

Stosh looking like he's enjoying working hard!

     Today, Paul brought them a few of the little goodies that we take for granted at home but are a treat here in the camp; shavers, soap, toilet paper, sanitizing wipes, a radio for Chris, batteries, socks, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.  Of course he also brings soft drinks (Bill brings water) and a variety of chips – which is earning him the nick-name, “The Chip Man!”

Paul's blue box of goodies!

    

Chris with the ever important radio Paul gave him.
You're so spoiled, Chris! (See blog from  Oct. 8)

     Bill had to go out of town for this weekend, but he left with me the fruit pies that the homeless love so much.  I want you to know, Bill, they missed you for more than just the pies you provide for them.

Cheeseburgers, fruit pies, chips, drinks and love - life doesn't get any better!
L. to R.- JJ, Chris, Robert (standing), Shorty (hidden), Stosh, Kojak (in red and black)

     Paul and I went on to visit Jack’s/Mari’s camp.  It is Jack’s birthday, today, which he celebrated last night.  He is now in no condition to even get out of his tent to receive us, or food, or anything because of his hangover.  He won’t walk his twenty miles today (that he usually walks) looking for aluminum cans.  Mari and Mark came out to greet us and Mari asked that if any readers wanted a cute little cat, she had five of them.  Come and get ‘em! (my email address is in the first “ATTENTION!” post, right under my name).

Please, somebody come take this cute little one to take home and spoil with love!

      We then went to the Palafox Camp which had a large number of the homeless today.  We rejoiced to find others who were also handing out sack lunches and water bottles to the homeless.  Praise God!  The homeless will be eating today.

L. to R. - Amy, Debbie, Sebastian, Trevor and smiling Silas
with Music Man (James) singing "Blue Wahoos," which he wrote!

     The happy family group pictured above is from Potential Church on Creighton and Keaton, in Pensacola, and they come the second Sunday of every month to feed the homeless.  The homeless appreciate more than just the food that is brought to them, as it comforts them that someone cares for them enough to get out of the church walls and come in the street to love on them.  That brings healing to the hurting children of God.  You are the true remnant church (Romans 11:5)!  God bless you abundantly!

Chris, from the Palafox Camp, didn't know Mouse could jump this high!
I was holding a cheeseburger above him, which he caught and inhaled in 2 seconds!

I thought this was grilled chicken...you say it's what?...Tofu?  Ooo...K!
Who brought this?

Hanna loved the...Tofu...but not as much as she loves Stosh!

 Good night, folks, and God bless y’all.

Le roi leur répondra:  je vous le dis en vérité, toutes les fois que vous avez fait ces choses à l’un de ces plus petits de mes frères, c’est à moi que vous les avez faites. »   Matthieu 25:40

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UNDER THE BRIDGE: The Drama Tide!

Bill (L) and Chris with the sore foot (R) at Bay Side Camp.
Entrance to fishing bridge in background.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

          I watched this little life’s drama unfold before my very eyes. 

     Stosh rolled up the newspaper and held it in his right hand as if about to swat a fly on the table.  He slowly stepped closer behind Tina, who was innocently sitting at the aforementioned table, in a deep conversation with James, and totally oblivious to Stosh’s stealthy approach behind her. 

     At the same time, Mari was sitting not ten feet behind behind Stosh, having picked up his intentions on her radar.  She was ready and poised for the inevitable moment of impact.  Stosh had stealth, but Mari had good vision and patience!

     Stosh reached forward, toward Tina, with the newspaper, staying back far enough so as not to be the recipient of a counter-attack.  Watching Stosh’s six foot frame easing closer to Tina, I knew his mission was doomed from the beginning.

     He meant to tap her lightly to mimic a bug landing on her right ear.  But, he had been drinking and his balance was not what it should have been for this delicate and dangerous mission.  At the last moment, he moved forward too fast and smacked Tina’s ear harder than he should ever have in order to continue residing amongst the living.

     Mari, who was still behind him watching her prey, leaped forward with the speed and agility of a leopard.  With all of her 90 pounds in motion, she raised her right hand high, like one would to dunk a basketball through the hoop, and in one bound landed right behind him, her arm and hand coming down hard on poor Stosh’s back. 

     Bent over in surprised pain, he stood there between Tina and Mari who looked at each other momentarily.  Leopards stick together during the hunt.  Stosh should have known the variables and the risks involved in such a bold move. 

     Having watched this silently, as one would watch a leopard stalking a gazelle on the African Plain, I asked him, “Stosh…how about a fresh, hot cheeseburger?”  At the same time Bill handed him a drink and a fruit pie, and Paul gave him a bag of chips.  We knew that food easily solved the majority of guy’s problems.  Stosh was OK with that and started eating as if nothing had happened.  Guys are easy.

     Tina, who had been drinking, was still rattled by Stosh’s behavior.  Her conversation at the table now was about people taking advantage of her.  Mari, who had been drinking, was upset that a man would prey on a helpless woman and smack her with a newspaper.

     I stood there with my outstretched hand with a cheeseburger for each of them, but they were still involved in discussing what had just happened.  Closure had to be reached before the cheeseburgers were accepted.  I put the food on the table, gave them each a hug and assured them that I loved them.  Which is true.  Glory to God.

Left to right; Shorty singing "I'll Fly Away" with Stosh and Mari.
Also the setting for the Stosh, Tina, Mari drama!

      Shorty comes up to give me a big hug.  This man is very loving and giving.  He is always coaxing everyone to cheerfulness.

     “Hey, Jean-Luc, listen to this.”  Without waiting for an answer, he suddenly breaks into a rendition of “I’ll Fly Away,” and he encourages all who would to join him in the singing.  Shorty, who has been drinking, is always cheerful and the life of the party. 

L. to R; Leila, Shorty, James - who just moved from Indiana, works and
stays in his SUV with his girlfriend, Leila, until they find a place to live.

     “Shorty,” I ask, “you have a lot of family here in Pensacola, don’t you?”

     “Ooooooh yea, I shore do.  They are spread all over this town.”

     “Don’t you ever feel like staying with them, sometimes?”

     He looked up at me and raised his eyes to heaven, “Drama, brother…I can live without the drama…and they wouldn’t let me drink.”

     “Shorty, do you want me to pray for you to stop drinking?  Have you ever thought of stopping to drink?”

     “No,” he quickly replied, “no…I like my drinking. Thank you.”

      We looked at each other and then we both laughed.

     Chris is out all day long looking for a driving job.  That seems simple enough.  He’s single, unattached, foot-loose and fancy-free.  Except…for Brianna…this wonderful dog.  It’s just a very little drama with a possible solution.  He asked me to make mention on this blog that she is up for adoption if someone wants her.  He just took over ownership from Jersey who went to jail…for a long time.

Brianna with Chris

     Brianna, who is spayed, is a very obedient, healthy, loving, playful, nine months old companion who gets along great with everyone, including other dogs. Call Chris if you want to have her (free) and take good care of her; or if you know of a driving job for him (he has a clean record).  Please pray for Chris and Brianna.  (Chris:  850-696-5009)

     It seems Tim was waiting for us as Bill, Paul and I drove to the Bridge Camp.  We greeted each other as I handed him a cheeseburger, Bill gave him a drink and Paul let him choose which chips he wanted. 

   

Tim with his fruit pie, cheeseburger, chips and drink.
Bridge in background with Kelly's van far right.

     “So, how are you doing, Tim?”  I asked him.

     “I’m doing fine, now!” answered Tim.

     Looking like a tourist, Tim is the most laid back, relaxed, quiet homeless man I know.  He is very easy going and gets along with everyone.

     “What do you mean, “now?”

     “It got a little rough, here, yesterday,” said Tim, who had been drinking.

     This is not the easy-going Tim I know.  “What happened last night?”  I really shouldn’t ask, but I was curious as to what happened here that riled Tim up like this.

     “All I can say is I’m glad the drama is over.”

     We didn’t have to ask what drama he was speaking about, as he promptly continued.  He wanted (excuse me –needed) to talk to somebody about it.

     Well, Shelly had worked a couple days last week and made a little money.  Her boyfriend, Murphy, who had been drinking (along with Shelly) thought she should share some of that money with him her (I’m going according to what Tim is telling me).

     There was a lot of arguing.  Out here, they can’t slam doors or kick walls, because there aren’t any.  They can’t slam a vase or a plate because they don’t have any.  But, something’s going to get slammed because when anyone is angry (and drunk) something is going to be found that is handy to slam.  They can slam a trash can, or a folding chair, or a car door (if there is a car available).  Most often, they slam each other, because slamming is part of being angry, out here.  I’m glad people off the street don’t do this.  Can you imagine?

     Tim is telling us all this at the highest speed I have ever heard him speak.  After the big slamming argument, Tina came to Tim to tell him all about it and get it off her chest.  She was repeating everything Tim just witnessed from twenty feet away (his van is parked next to Kelly’s). Tim told her he just didn’t care and didn’t want to hear it, as he climbed in his van and slammed the door shut. 

     So Shelly left to go stay at the Bay Side Camp and the other Bridge Camp residents all headed in different directions.  Tim said everyone left because there was just too much drama.   Jack the Astrophysicist wisely went to the next town, and Pete went to visit a friend in the safety of another town. 

     Murphy came back early this morning looking all beat up - with a broken arm!  Looked like he got slammed real bad.

     The tolerance for drama, in the street, is very low. 

      I tell them that I love every single one of them just as much as the other, and I encourage them to love one another as Jesus loves them.  As soon as they sober up, they remember.  However, this is the first part of the month when some homeless are flush with their monthly check and beer is shared with everyone – one for all and all for one! 

     By the tenth of the month, when the money has run out, the party is over and the drama tide is at its lowest level, again.

Bill (L) and Paul (R) walking from the bridge to John's Camp.

    

     We then rolled on to visit John’s camp by the railroad tracks (see post Sept. 29, 2014).  We were cheerfully welcomed by four guys “shooting the bull” around a campfire.  They were glad to see us, as they were hungry.  Patrick, who had been drinking, was as friendly as I had ever seen him, as he welcomed us with a smile and shook our hands.

     I was surprised that John, who had been drinking, had so many people at his camp.  Along with a friend who was visiting, we also found Tony at the camp.

     “Hey, Tony, I thought you were gonna be in jail for quite a while!”  I asked.

     “Nope, got out in twenty-five days.”  We laughed, as we reminisced about the day he told us he was going to go to jail (see post August 22, 2014)

L. to R. Tony, John, Patrick and The Visitor pointing his finger up,
"Jesus is the one!"

     We fed them and stayed around to fellowship for a few minutes before going back up the tracks where I had almost been arrested myself, not too long ago (see post August 9, 2014).  I took a picture just before we left, as The Visitor pointed his index to the sky and said, “Jesus is number one.”

Bill and Paul going back to the truck.  The railroad people spelled
Pensacola wrong!

     I love to go to the Palafox Camp because of the variety of the homeless who are found there.  We first ran into Chris and Mouse – Mouse is the nicest pit bull you’ll ever meet!  I gave Mouse some dog biscuits I had brought for him.  Ministering to their pets really blesses the homeless.  Then Chris shared with us a little drama he had not only observed, but become part of.

     Farther down Palafox Street, a couple of blocks, are some nice little cafés with tables and chairs on the sidewalk.  It’s a great place for some people to sit in the afternoon sun, relax, people watch and enjoy some good food.  Chris likes to go there, as it is a cheerful place and, sometimes, people will give him a handout even though he doesn’t ask.

     There was a family with young children eating outside at one of the cafés when a Bible College student came over to hand them a tract and talk to them about getting saved (from what I’m told, it is one of the requirements for them to come and minister on this street)!

     The father, who was eating sushi, rightly said, “Can’t you see we are eating?  Go away!”

     Chris was standing by and said to the Bible thumper, “Leave them alone. Can’t you see they’re eating dinner?”  Most of the homeless, I’m glad to say, have a good sense of justice verses injustice.

     Bible Man continued speaking to the family, making the statement, “You’re eating the devil’s food!” and tried again to tell them about salvation. 

     Sushi…the devil’s food?  Where did that come from?

     Chris, by that time fully involved with this useless Bible Man, answered, “This is not the devil’s food.  That was made by a person – it’s man-made and the devil had nothing to do with it (Chris used to be a chef).”

     Still in front of the family eating their dinner, Bible Man looked at Chris with disdain and retorted, “What do you know about Christianity – you’re homeless?” 

     Chris was reliving his anger at Bible Man, as he was relating the drama to us.

     I gave another dog biscuit to Mouse, scratched his side vigorously and said, “Jesus loves the animals, too, Mouse.”

Chris and Mouse, his smiling pit bull!

     Chris was pleased to hear this.  “One of those Bible students once told me animals don’t go to heaven because they don’t have a soul!  Can you imagine that?” as he gave Mouse a big, loving hug.

     Bill, Paul, Chris and I stood there looking at Mouse sitting on a park bench, looking up at us while wagging his tail and smiling. We sadly shook our head that someone would say such a thing about one of the most loving and devoted animals on this planet.

     There are many more amazing stories of the homeless we encountered just today - and I was out there only six hours!  If I had to tell you about today’s drama tide rolling in, and the drama tide going out …well…I’d have to write a book. 

Bianna  loves to play - with people or other dogs!

Good night, folks, and God bless y’all.

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