MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hmm. Those words are hard for me to say to my friends. This week before Christmas is always a difficult time for our friends living outdoors. I mention these dear folks because there are days like today that make me very sad. As we deliver lunches on Mondays we witness many different living arrangements. As Sandy, Richard and I made our way around Akron we discovered several friends living in “bandos”, abandoned houses in general at least 6 people living together. Typically no heat, no water and no electric. Others are “living” (surviving) in random structures such as semi trailers, tents, among pine trees, garages, vehicles and basements.

My heart is heavy for the young women especially. As I turned to leave a young girl who had a baby recently, I heard her gently say “ I love you Georgann”. I LOVE YOU TOO !!! My eyes swell with tears as I write these words, knowing this is someone’s child. This is the Lord’s child, whom I have the privilege to know and pray for.

In Jesus name I ask the bondage of addiction be broken and may they one at a time be free to live the life you called them to Lord. Amen.

For you my friends in housing please remember to pray a prayer of gratitude as you lay your head down each night. Will you support those ministries helping the homeless in your area this winter? The weather in Ohio will be brutal this week and there are places that we will try to get them to safely. However, most of them will stay put even though it is dangerously cold.

Merry Christmas the Savior was born to save us, may the Love of family and friends surround you this weekend.