"I can't tell the difference ..."
Almost two years ago, our founder Dean had a vision to turn our warehouse in the Airport District into a gathering place. The very warehouse where we store our three buses (Grace, Mercy, and Faith, the Shower and Laundry Shuttles), as well as all the supplies needed for these ministries (underwear, socks, hygiene kits, soap products, etc.) It also houses the clothing ministry for our Church In The Park outreach, our office, two sets of washers and dryers, a Men’s Bible Study on Thursday, and lots of other things as well. It is the very place where our Dream Team built these three incredible Shuttles … needless to say, it’s a very busy place!
We knew there was more we could do …
But we knew there was more that could be done with the space. Our community and church family are mostly poverty-stricken and some are homeless. Surviving day to day is the reality of life, and attending a movie or going out is not even something they dare to dream. Eating a meal and having a place to sleep is the main priority for most. So when Dean proposed once monthly Christian Karaoke nights almost two years ago, we said an immediate YES. Because our church sets up and has services in a nearby park, there are no buildings and no opportunity to fellowship midweek. For those needing friendship and guidance, the seven days between Sunday to Sunday can be a very long time.
And then came Christian Movie Nights …
Soon after Karaoke was established and it was evident that it filled a need, we began having once monthly Christian Movie Nights as well. It has been such a blessing to be able to open up the warehouse to our church family, volunteers, and outside community too… a place for them to gather and have a bite to eat, to fellowship and meet friends, a place where they are accepted and loved with no judgement, not a worry if they haven’t been able to shave or shower or aren’t wearing clean clothes. It’s something that we all look forward to each and every month and there are always blessings to be found.
A natural leap to a Super Bowl Party!
So when the first week of February rolled around this year, it was kind of a natural leap that we would try our first ever Super Bowl party. And it was truly amazing! About 100 people showed up, some bringing food to share, some not able to; but all ready to enjoy the big game and fellowship in a safe, sane, and sober environment (there were two rules…no drinking and no cussing!) Some cheered for the 49’ers. Some cheered for the Chiefs. Others couldn’t care less and just enjoyed the food and being a part of the game and the energy!
We announced the event on Facebook and at church for a couple of weeks before the event. When the Modesto Bee picked it up and posted it, we looked at each other and kind of gulped … no turning back now! And we plunged ahead, making sure we had enough hands to help and food to share if more people showed up than we had originally planned.
My husband invited an old friend of his who had heard of Church In The Park and the Shower and Laundry Shuttles and he was curious. He wasn’t familiar with anything we do or the people we serve and I admit, it can be a little intimidating if you have no background in the type serving and loving others that we provide.
He came to the event late in the game and sat down next to my husband, just absorbing the atmosphere. There were people eating and laughing, sitting at tables together; cheering for their teams in friendly competition … It was all we had hoped it would be. We were thanked numerous times for all the time and energy we had expended. From my perspective, it was all worth it. To be able to have an event like this where everyone was welcome, and comfortable, and included in what has become normal American culture was absolutely priceless.
“So, all these people are homeless?” the friend leaned over and asked my husband.
“No,” he explained. “There’s volunteers, and people from the church, people who came from the ads on Facebook and in the paper, a couple of pastors and their families, and yea, some homeless too.”
“But I can’t tell the difference,” he said with a puzzled look on his face.
My husband just smiled and they went on to talk about the game, the shuttles, and everything else that guys like to talk about. He said he’d like to visit the church one Sunday soon, and I really hope he does.
Because his eyes were opened, and that’s the point, isn’t it?
We are all, in fact, the same. We aren’t homeless first, or disadvantaged, or leaders, or volunteers. We are family. We are community. We are His kids, all equal at the foot of the cross and we are blessed to be able to provide a place where we can all come and experience a movie, some fellowship and Christian worship, and even a game every now and then.
Please continue to pray for our many ministries and our time and energy as well. We will continue to love and serve and create a community as long as we are able. And hey … If you find yourself with no place to go on the first Monday of every month, come and join us for Christian Karaoke or a wholesome Christian Movie on the third Friday, every month. Hope to see you someday!
What Can You Do?
Come! Be part of what we are doing to help Restore Hope and Dignity to Those In Need! Whether you’re the bomb at Christian Karaoke or would like to catch a Christian movie … we welcome you!
Support our work.
As a local non-profit (501C3), we depend on support from people just like you. Give a gift today and help us in our mission to continue restoring hope and dignity to those in need with both mobile showers and laundry … and know we will continue as long as there is a calling for us to do so.
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16
