Friday Night Outreach

The homeless people who come to Friday night outreach come from all walks of life,
men and women. Their ages vary from teenagers to those who are well in their 70’s.
They come from every ethnic group. They come hungry, needing clothing, medical
attention and even such basic needs as a haircut. Some come angry, some under the
influence, but most are thankful for what UGM brings, that of hope, hope that tomorrow
may be a better day. Spokane has an estimated 1200 homeless people; tonight we will
serve about 100 of them.

The piano in the church gym where we set up to serve had recently been tuned. So even
before he ate Matthew sat down to play and sing. His rich baritone voice and music
soon filled the auditorium with his own style of gospel/blues. People gathered around to
listen and applaud, as his fingers used the full range of keys. He played and sang from his
heart and the life experiences of his 70 plus years. Gospel songs that spoke to his own
brokenness and needs.

Once again one of our own men ministers to the needs of a homeless person who has
large sores on his feet. His act of kindness of washing and dressing the homeless man’s
feet flow from a heart of thankfulness for blessings he has received through the mission.

We have celebrated Good Friday, because we knew Sunday was coming! We have once
again looked at the ‘cross’ knowing that the price that was paid there was because of our
(my) sins.

Philippians 2:5-8 “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be
grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the form of a servant, being born in the
likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming
obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”