Tonight’s theme was Thankful. From start to finish, everything around us was smothered in gratitude. When we arrived in Detroit to meet up with the other teams, I had thank you presents prepared to pass out. It was just a little something to say that Magdalene’s Mission was proud to be a part of Tuesday night outreach with them. I wanted them to know that their dedication and commitment to being the hands and feet of Jesus message. I wouldn’t be a part of a team that ran any other way. It seems I offend both Christians and non-Christians equally. But most of you guys all get what I’m doing here. Anyways, they thanked us, and we thanked them, and it was all a lot of squishy appreciation for different people’s skill sets working together in harmony. What are the end results? We save lives.
This went down pretty amazing, but Traci and I cleaned out the entire van in 2 spots and in less than two hours. We were stunned. It was stunning. Our fist spot we went to as a team was at an abandoned house. It was odd because all the houses were boarded up, but the lawns were all nicely mowed. A tiny pregnant lady came out of a boarded-up house. We got her some food and hygiene supplies together. As we did, about 10 more people came out from behind trees, and from around the corner. They just drifted slowly over to the van hungry and dirty.
I made a conscious effort tonight to ask people what they wanted most in their hygiene kits, or in general. I got some great responses. The hygiene kits are perfect. I’m going to up the quantity of wipes I put in bags because people really like them the most. Anything that they can wipe themselves clean with. Pepper spray. Flashlights, batteries to refill in flashlights, any type of light or lantern to see at night with. Most places people live do not have electricity. Note to self. We also are nearly out of men’s clothes. Underwear and socks also topped most people’s list of items they could most use.
The second stop we went to is a place where we know a lot of people but still manage to meet a lot of new ones all the time, too. I had the most wonderful, positive, encouraging, hopeful, and soul-searching conversations with a ton of people.
Over and over, I heard, “You guys don’t realize how much this means. Thank you.”
“I am so happy I saw you. I needed this so much. Thank you so much.“
“This is the best thing that happens to me. Thank you. ”
“Thank you. You make me feel so loved.”
“I can’t believe you guys can do this. This is amazing. Thank you.”
“I don’t know what we would do without you. Thank you so much.”
“You truly help people stay alive. Nobody comes here. Thank you.”
All the above statements are said with ultimate genuine gratitude.
When they were hungry, we fed them.
When they were dirty, we gave them a washcloth and soap.
When they were cold, we gave them coats and blankets.
When they were sick, we led them to a doctor.
When they smile, we smile together.
And when they cried, we held them close and told them we loved them.
Because THAT’S how we do it in Detroit.
Amen.
#peaceloveandhygiene #magdalenesmission
