Trip to Philadelphia

My husband, daughter and I were able to make it into downtown Philadelphia a couple of Saturdays ago and were so blessed by the Lord.  It was a brisk and sunny day for which we were grateful. We gave out around 35-40 survivor bags and were able to pray with many of the recipients.  Some were asleep on a bench or a grassy knoll in the park, so for those we gently lay the bag next to their belongings - a "surprise" when they awoke no doubt.  Many are so very grateful and express their gratitude for the bags while others refuse any help at all - one never knows how each person will react.  God has His plan and we need only obey His will - leaving the results always to Him.

We did have a happy surprise.  Several years ago when we were just starting to go to Philly with this ministry we came across a gentleman by the name of Rinaldo.  I believe he was from Cuba and didn't know much, if any, English.  On this trip my daughter and I happen to go down some stairs to the underground shopping area (part of the subway system) and in the distance it looked like Rinaldo.  We hurried over to the gentleman and said "Rinaldo?" to which he shook his head yes.

Rinaldo in 2012

Unfortunately, due in part to the language barrier and maybe the years on the streets taking its toll, we couldn't get much further in conversation with Rinaldo.  But it was so good to see him and know he is well. Please keep him in your prayers as we will, too.

We did come across a couple of women while there and luckily we had a few bags with pink hats in them.  I often wonder if women living on the streets miss some of the girlie stuff they might have grown up wearing - so maybe a pink hat will put a smile on their face.  Later in the day we happen to walk by one of the women and she was wearing her pink hat!  God always knows and provides. Praise Him!

In closing I want to ask you to pray for the homeless in Philadelphia and all over the world. It is a hard and dangerous life living on the streets.  We are all one or two steps away from that life ourselves - seriously.  Praise God for all He does and for all He provides.  May all the glory go to Him for He alone is worthy.

For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God.

Psalm 145:3 

Survivor Ministry

My husband, Paul, and I (and often our grown kids) have been led by the Lord to minister to the street homeless in Philadelphia. This is a video we put together several years ago after one of our trips there.  We live 3 hours away and because it has been getting increasingly difficult to go there as often as we would like, we are hoping to find a way to move closer to Philly. With God all things are possible.

While there are many shelters in the city, the street homeless often don't use them for various reasons (mental illness, addictions, paranoia, etc.).  These are the people we seek to find.  Some are new to the streets - others have been on the streets for many years.  They are different ages, ethnicities, genders and have different belief systems. We try to meet them where they are in order to show them the love of the one true God.

We make up what we call "survivor bags" -  zip lock bags filled with a variety of items depending on the season.  The bags usually contain something to drink, a protein, raisins, applesauce, crackers, granola bar, band aids, wipes, gum, socks, trash bag, tissues, Bible tracts, daily devotions and in the winter hat/gloves/scarf.  We witness to the homeless and often pray with them if they are willing. If you are interested in doing something like this for your town you can visit www.loveinabag.com to get a list of what we put in the bags.  It's a great project for a youth or women's group!

We hope to go again soon - the bags are made up and ready to go!  Please pray for softened hearts that are ready to hear and even accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior; that God would be glorified in all we do and say; that we would be obedient to our Lord; and also for our safety.  We give Him all the glory and praise Him for we could do nothing without Him. Thank you so much and may God bless you!