May 14, 2001
Dear Partners,I have come face to face with the words of Jesus, "Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked and ignored, that was me-you did it to me." (Matt. 25:40 Message). As I walk with the kids on the streets of the Mission District, the homeless people ask me, "Mam, can you spare some change?" This has become a normal occurrence in our lives, so we have decided to carry granola bars to hand out instead of money. Kayla often asks, "Mom, is that a homeless person?" Recently, we were in McDonald’s for lunch. Several needy people walked by, table by table, asking for anything. I was heartbroken by the look of rejection, "no, not today" seemed to be the verdict. Finally, someone orders an extra burger and a smile radiates from their face. Christ walks the city. He does not sleep but lies beside the broken that sleep under the bridge, not knowing where the next meal will come from. He hears their groans of desperation and despair. More than ever have the words of Jesus have connected with my life in such a real way. I pray daily for opportunities to touch others with His Grace, His Compassion, and most of all His Unconditional Love. Over and over again, God has invited our family to join Him in His work here in San Francisco. I have learned that "availability" and "flexibility" are the values required if we are to follow His invitation. Our family has been able to meet 14 of our neighbors. Kayla and I are planning to set up a "lemonade stand" one warm afternoon and offer free ice cold lemonade to those who walk by the front of our home. I have been volunteering in our Neighborhood Senior Center every Thursday preparing bags of food for the low income and shut in elderly in our area. I have learned so much by serving the elderly of our community. Parking is always difficult. Recently, I ran in a little market to ask for permission. To my surprise, the beautiful Latin woman behind the counter was filled with tears. I said, "oh, are you okay?" She shook her head no. "Is there anything I can do to help you?" She nodded no again. Without hesitating I immediately said, "Can I pray for you?" To my surprise she nodded with affirmation and gave me a glimpse of a smile. Taking her hand across the counter, I was able to pray for this broken woman. Oh God, I pray that Cecilia might feel the arms of Jesus around her at this time in her life. I then said "amen" and I quickly remembered the reason I came into the market! I asked about the parking and introduced myself to my new friend, Alicia. At that time, I was overjoyed to share with Ken that I knew exactly why we parked here… to share God’s unconditional love with Alicia. We feel honored and privileged to serve God here. We realize we are but a small piece to His great puzzle. Thank you for your love and support. Thank you for believing that God can use our family to make a difference in this city. Just like the beautiful spring flowers that bloom this time of year, I think of the seeds that need to be planted for Our Lord so that one day they may blossom into all that God had created them to truly be in Him. My heart beats faster to think of the work to be done. Because of your love and support, many more seeds will be planted, just like Allysia. I close with the words of Jesus, "My Food, said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." John 4:34. I pray that you too would be challenged to "love the least of these" and to continue "planting seeds" for Our Awesome Savior and Lord.
posted by Ken McCord @ 4:39 PM
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