Josh Mason and I were walking through the neighborhood when a homeless dude asked us for money. He wanted a few bucks for some lunch, but I never feel comfortable giving cash to homeless guys. I just don't want to be doing more harm then good. Anyways, Josh and and I were on the way to get something to eat, so I invite him along for our lunch break. Quan, Josh, and I arranged the tables to create enough room for the both of us to eat outside. About the time a waiter was about to take our order when another homeless dude asked for a couple of bucks. Again I didn't feel good about giving out money, but I told him he could eat with us if he would talk with us. He eventually obliged, and there we were eating together. The waiter looked at us like we were crazy. I think those two are frequenters at Al's establishment. We munch down on some tasty pizza and Josh posed a question. He said, "Neil whats on your mind." Neil looked back in amazement. He said that no one has asked him that in six months. They both went on to explain that they felt like everyone else because they could sit without anxiety that they would be brushed away because today they are paying customers. Later on we connected back up for a community potluck. No one knew that Neil was homeless. He commented that the kids played with him, and weren't afraid of him. He looked over at me and said the comment that makes sense of my entire life. He said to me, I have felt human again. People have talked to me and you guys love me. This was just the beginning of our relationship. We have talked every other day since then. It's really cool to see our community ministering and love a guy that's trying to get back on his feet. It's fun to be a part of a community that is a part of God's kingdom making things right.
