Friday night and Outreach time at the Union Gospel Mission.

Friday night and Outreach time at the Union Gospel Mission. Once again it is Friday night Outreach time at the Mission. As we leave the rain is already starting, as evidenced by the drops on the windshield of the van. The group this evening has a number of new faces and some are veterans in this ministry. As we arrived in the alley behind the House of Hope the line has begun to form and soon it is nearly a block long. We set up and gather for prayer for God's blessing and then begin to serve.

I am struck by the number older teenagers that are in line. Pretty young girls whose faces do yet show the signs of living on the street, but whose eyes have already begun to show it's effects. Where are the mothers and fathers of these girls? Are their mother's at home on their knees praying for a prodigal child, or are have they become the next generation of addiction? Are their fathers at home praying for the safety of a daughter living on the street, or are they absentee fathers who barely know the name of their child?

As line keeps coming the rain and the discomfort increases, they are wet and more are under the influence of alcohol as they seek to ward off the cold. Those that come seem to come from the shadows, like the movie "If you build it they will come". As they are served, they disappear back into the night. The fortunate women will have a room for the night at the House of Hope. Others will drift off to an encampment under the freeway. The question arises in my mind about the young women, will they fall prey to the older "wiser" men of the street. Will their faces soon bare the marks of addiction and homelessness?

Are these that Christ spoke about when he told the disciples to see that the 'fields were already white unto harvest' and to pray that their would be more labors in the field?

Once again we gather together to reflect on the evening. As we stand in the circle, I feel the strong embrace of one who not long ago was one of those who lived a life on the street. We share and pray, The alley is nearly empty now, the homeless have once again retreated into the shadows. On the ride back to the mission the people in the van are subdued, there is little in the way of conversation, many are deep into their own thoughts.Thankful perhaps that they have place where they are safe and warm and surrounded by people who care.

As I head for home my clothes are soaked by the rain, but I enter a warm dry house and am greeted in love. I fall into bed in the embrace of a loving wife, but sleep escapes me as *I see the many faces in the line once again". When I see a panhandler, do I multiply him or her by the 100's who are not visible? Would I welcome with arms of love those we have served in my church this Sunday? The song "Why me Lord" again resonates in my mind. "Try me Lord, if you think there's a way I can try to repay, all the I've taken from you, Maybe Lord I can show some one else what I've been through myself, on my way back to you."

Lord let me not be overcome with feelings of pride or superiority,but with humility seek to serve.