May 30, 2005 - God Can Use Anybody to Reach The Homeless

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God Can Use Anybody to Reach The Homeless
By Leyah Berglund
May 30, 2005

Friday, March 4, 2005
This was an exciting night for seven of us Gateway College of Evangelism students. I never could have imagined that four pizzas could attract so many people on a street corner in inner city St. Louis.

Standing there talking to a few homeless people I just met, others walked by, then turned around and stopped, wondering what was going on and why pizzas were available. It was so exciting to see their faces light up as they were offered a piece. These men talked about their pasts, and how they had gotten to this point in their lives. They explained that they had no one to turn to and nowhere to go. One man encouraged us to never give up what we have now. Tears filled my eyes, as I thought about how grateful and thankful I am to be where I am today. We were able to encourage these men and give them hope for another day.

We talked about God, laughed, hung out, told funny stories, and showed God’s love through giving. I have been changed already in a few hours spent standing and sitting in the parking lot. I believe it has already influenced someone besides me. These people we talked to are definitely looking for something. I could see it, hear it, and feel it. They had a hard time letting us leave (as we had to get back for college curfew). They could have talked to us all night, if time would have allowed.

I believe that God is not through what He has started; He was there in a vivid way and I am trusting that He has awesome things in store for this ministry. We are the ones who have to get up and get out there and do it.

I believe our duty as Christians is to be there one for another and to help in any way possible. If someone is hungry, isn’t it right to feed them? If someone is lonely, shouldn’t we befriend them? I believe there is so much we can do each and every day. I believe the little things in life make a huge difference. The next time we go downtown, I hope to run into these men, and be able to talk to them again.

I am so excited for the upcoming days, weeks, months and years. I believe our lives will be changed forever.

Monday, April 25, 2005
I do not even know where to begin. My heart and my mind are overwhelmed with happiness and thankfulness for all that God has done. As I think back seven weeks ago, I realize how mighty God has moved.

We have been going downtown every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday night of each week. I have met some amazing people who I now can call my friends. We are getting to know each homeless person by name and this has been special to me. On numerous occasions we have taken them out to eat, to a picnic or just fooled around playing some football or volleyball in the park. We have met over 80 different homeless people, who range from babies to elders. I love hanging out with each and every one of them—they are awesome people.

The hardest part of this ministry is getting attached to them, and then not having any place for them to sleep at night. A lot of them head to the shelters around the corner, or some decide to sleep outside for the night. My dream is to someday have a place where they can clean up and rest.

I am very thankful for all the donations that have come in to provide food, clothes, and necessities. God has helped us accumulate these things in abundance. These men, women, and children are very thankful and grateful for everything that we have done for them. We have put a smile on their face and a memory they will never forget.

We are also in the process of getting papers for housing and financial aid. We want to help them in any way possible.

My burden for these people is overwhelming; I think and pray for them a few times a day. I really want the best for them, and whatever I can do to help I am willing. I believe God is not through with what He started; He has shown Himself to us so many times. Last week we had a prayer meeting in the park before we left for the evening. It touched many homeless people that were there. We all stood in a circle holding hands with them, and we prayed for God’s love and protection. Tears filled our eyes as God’s presence was felt in a mighty way.

There is so much that I wish I could do, but so little I can. I pray that God can continue to lead and guide us. Last Sunday we had 18 come to church with us, and the week before one received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Next Sunday we have seven getting baptized. Things are happening and we are excited!

I have learned that being a friend is so important to people. You do not have to be anything big to reach out and help. The little things matter and God can use you.

Writer’s Note: I would like to add that safety is a very important step to follow when ministering to the homeless. Before we went out on this ministry we set up a manual with rules and guidelines to follow. We also pray before and after each outreach. God's protection has been with us continuously, but we have to use common sense also.

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Leyah Berglund is from Duluth, Minnesota, lived overseas as an MK in Indonesia, but currently attends Gateway College of Evangelism in St. Louis. Her favorite activity is to run around squacking.