We are a nation in hiding. We hide so as not to get sick. But one day we will get to take our masks off. How will we do that? Becky Still wrote me an email today – her story gives me hope. Maybe it will for you as well.
Becky lives in Springfield, Missouri. Here’s the story as she related it. She gave me permission to share it.
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“I have to admit that I’ve been a rebel of sorts, but I believe Jesus would do the same.
Since early February, Jason and Katie have been staying with me and then about a month ago Matt Blair called to say he and three guys were passing through and asked to stay. I said …I have floor space so if you’re good with that come on. They came and within days most of travel stopped as we know it. They ended up being here for two weeks and we had an awesome time.
For several years I’ve reached out to homeless in this area but it’s only been a few. While the guys were here they went to a homeless center and the library and invited several homeless to a cookout, s’mores, and singing by the campfire. We thought there would be 10 at the most, but over 20 people showed up as well as a couple of WR alumni.
From that night it has never really stopped. There have been crazy days where we’re serving up hot coffee and breakfast in the morning, praying with newly released prisoners or those addicted to drugs, helping them with laundry/showers, dr appts, bus stations, grocery stores, etc. We’re helping get them into shelters and programs.
About 11 days ago we took in a 60-year old alcoholic who has been on the streets for 18 years. He had badly sprained his ankle and it was freezing outside.
After Katie had a stern yet super loving conversation with him, he decided to quit drinking and poured out his alcohol and his whole demeanor shifted. It was below freezing and we tried to get him into a shelter but couldn’t. We invited him in to get a hot shower and some food, but he wouldn’t come in.
He wanted Katie and I to set him up in a corner of the park pavilion away from the wind and said he would be fine. We got his makeshift bed situated and brought him some hot coffee, but as walked back to the house, we felt the Lord was saying that he wasn’t coming in because he didn’t feel worthy.
So Jason went over and talked to him about how the Lord sees him. He agreed to stop drinking and has not had a drink or smoked a cigarette since. He’s still staying and sleeping on the couch and he’s enjoying being in family. He’s opening up about so many things and has daily been reading his Bible and a few other books we’ve given him.
In Psalms 91:1…it says “I will tell everyone everywhere about your wonderful works and how your marvelous miracles exceed expectations!”
This is truly a work of God and I want to tell everyone but feel this caution as many are upset with people not strictly following the in-home sheltering.
It is ironic that the health care workers, the grocery store workers, etc are the heroes of this disaster (and they are), but where are the church heroes? Those who will feed the hungry, clothe the naked and heal the sick?
How would it look for just 1% of the church body to take in a homeless person, a widow, a foster child and help them get on their feet?
Lord help us to reach out to the non-sterile…to those who desperately need showers…to those with sprained ankles.”
This cuts to the core. This is exactly what we need to hear.
Thank you Seth for your soul & spirit provoking missives. It’s one of your considerable number of gifts to prod, poke and persistently promote a gospel ethic. Faith is a verb. So is love.
Wow! This is such an amazing story of what God call us to do and of His transforming power! Thanks for sharing this!!
Thanks, Butch. Prodding and poking seems to come naturally for me!
Wonderful blog. I know Becky Still and it is such a blessing to hear of testimonies like these. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Casey,
where are you and what are you up to. Would love to hear from you.
Love this!