Matthew 25:36

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:36 (NIV)

We encounter a lot of people at the Baton Rouge Dream Center every week; people with serious problems and desperate need. On Fridays we invite the homeless to join us for fellowship and a hot meal. Some come just for the food, but many don’t; some come just to be seen. Being homeless in America doesn’t just mean you’re without shelter, it means you’re invisible. As a society we turn away from those things that are unattractive; things like obvious sickness, addiction, filth. We don’t just look past the guy holding a sign at the intersection, we look through him…like he doesn’t exist.

On Friday we got to be the hands of God yet again. Thanks to a youth group who raised money to buy coats for the homeless, not only did the men get a hot meal but they each received a new jacket and a fresh set of clothes. For most of them, it’s not like they got another coat; this is their only coat. As the temperature hovers just above freezing, these new jackets provide much needed protection against the elements. This jacket means they get to sleep at night. Their gratitude was humbling. They smiled and thanked us, again and again and again.

Jesus came for the throw-aways of society. He came for the homeless, the addicts, the prostitutes and the dealers. What an awesome privilege that He has entrusted these precious souls to us…that He allows us to be a healing place for a hurting world. Thank you for being a part of changing lives.