The River Church Community

bLoG5: Jail House Steps

If you have read bLoG’s 1-4, you have already noticed that my first goal was to not be the “immobile mobilizer” and my second goal was to get to know our ministry center neighbors.  Having introduced myself to our immediate neighbors, I thought it would be good to get to know some of the people near the government offices—particularly the people around the country jail (only a few blocks away).   Kyle grabbed one of the youth (Chris Hayes) and we were off with juice squeezes, waters, and chips. 

The first man to whom we offered juice and chips initially ignored us and then chided us for being Christians.  Hardly the start we hoped for.  In fact, it was quite discouraging.  If I had been alone, I might have called it quits.  But peer pressure enabled me to continue (sometimes I think peer pressure gets a bad wrap).  Continuing, we went on to the jailhouse steps prayed for people, satisfied dry pallets, and even hooked a homeless woman up with housing.  It was quite beautiful.  It was amazing to offer people a little comfort as they waited for a court appointment or for a loved one caged within the building.  In some little ways, we were able to sow some hope…But one wonders whether any of these little acts of kindness make any difference.  You know?

A few days ago, I received the following e-mail: “Pastor Tony, we met you at 70 W Hedding on Tuesday around 4 p.m. You know what?  My wife and I were actually thirsty and feeling a little depleted when you and your friends offered us the fruit drinks and chips.  You all really were God's love shown to us.”  The thing that amazed me about this e-mail was that this person did not have my contact information!  He searched for it and found it!  He went out of his way to let us know that we revealed God’s love to him.  And those are his words!!!  Our hope was to share the love of God in practical ways.  I guess it worked.

Tony, Pastor of Mission Mobilization