Homeless couple

We met a homeless couple tonight. Their names are Donald and Carla. They seemed to be a sweet and humble couple. Thankfully we were able to help them with some needs.

Every time we minister to the homeless I am reminded how blessed we are and how good we have it.

Donald seems to be a hard worker and he goes out each day trying to find work and often finds an odd job here and an odd job there. Some times it is enough to pay for a night's stay in a hotel, but it definitely isn't a hotel most people would look forward staying at. I could tell they weren't comfortable with some of the activity that goes on there, but that's a good sign. They don't want to be around the drugs and prostitution. But all the same, they didn't complain one time about their living conditions.

All they asked for were the bare necessities. They didn't ask for rent money. They asked for food, hygiene supplies and shoes. Their hotel doesn't have a refrigerator or a microwave, and there isn't much room for one any way.

He was out working an odd job when we arrived to give them their supplies. Carla was at the hotel, and what a sweet and humble woman she is. She fought back tears of joy as we helped her carry the bags of items to their hotel room. "It feels like Christmas," she said with a smile on her face.

Christmas? Think about that for a moment. How many of us would consider bags of non-perishable groceries, hygiene items, socks, and some paper plates and plastic ware Christmas gifts? But to those who have nothing, it is just as good as Christmas morning opening presents around a Christmas tree. Again, I realized how fortunate Martha and I are.

We discovered Donald needed some tennis shoes. His were very worn out. We asked her if she wanted any shoes. She hesitated, then shyly asked for some sandals. So, Martha and I told her we would be back with both of them some shoes.

As we pulled up to the store, our phone rang. It was Donald. He said we didn't have to do that, but if we were going to buy him shoes to please use that money instead to purchase her an undergarment that she needed. Now that's thoughtful and someone who loves his wife to put her needs before his. We still got him shoes.

It is amazing the basic needs most of us take for granted. However, there are many Donalds and Carlas out there, and thanks to those of you who pray for and give financially to Love In Action, we are able to help.

Please pray for Donald and Carla. He is a carpenter, so if anyone hears of a job please let us know. Hopefully they will come to our Bible study tomorrow night. They seemed interested. They know that we care. Most importantly, they know that Jesus cares for them and loves them very much.