homeless and impoverished

Today, I helped out at Home PDX, a church/friendly community for the homeless. It was simply great. My church, Evergreen Community, made pounds and pounds of pasta, bowls of salad, nearly 15 loaves of bread, and dozens of cookies. This was all to feed about 150 people. We had plenty for everyone and got to spend some time chatting with everyone after serving them. I hope everyone can do this sometime. The people there were so happy to talk with new people and they had some funny, as well as heart-wrenching stories.

One woman had left her husband after he broke her leg. She had to leave her daughter behind and has been living on the streets for four years. Her daughter is very angry with her and refuses to talk with her. Needless to say, this is devastating to her. She does, however, have a partner who treats her very well and he looks out for her as best as he can. Pray that she can contact her daughter and they will grow to love and understand each other. Also that she will be able to leave the streets.

Another man was talking about his frustration with God: he prays constantly yet sees no results. He is growing increasingly frustrated that God knows his needs, but won't provide them. I don't know what God's planning any more than the next person, but I would so love to give him hope and a promise that God will protect him. Pray that he will be patient and continue to praise God even in the hardest of times.

These stories were just from two people so please pray for the rest of those whose lives are just as difficult.

At the church in my hometown, there are two men from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who are building an orphanage for 80 children. They need continual funding and as much prayer as possible. Please pray for them, that the orphanage plans would continue without too many bumps in the road and the children would appreciate their love and dedication. I am planning on going there once I'm done with school and hopefully get all the children as healthy as possible. I'll be bringing toothbrushes, shoes, pots and pans hopefully, mosquito nets, and possibly medications for immunizations. This is still all in the planning phase, but I hope to get funds raised and supplies donated. Here is their website:

http://www.cityofrefugeinternational.org/about/about.htm

Please visit and see pictures and pray as much as possible for these children.