pat loughery

We’ve been praying lately that we could be a church who reaches out to the brokenhearted and serves the poor. I’ve written about several facets of this in the past: God’s challenge to us this year; projects aimed at the poor; a David Ruis seminar (I just relized I never blogged about this; I journaled a lot though) and other things.

Today was a challenging and fulfilling day in that area. When we first arrive to set up at 8:45 or so for a 10:00AM service, I go set out the sandwichboard signs. Because where we meet is in a park, we occasionally see homeless people here. Today John was there, and I spent 45 minutes or so talking to him. Smart guy, about 40, he has family in the area but an estranged relationship. We gave him some bananas and oatmeal. I spent most of my time talking to him, trying to break the power of self-hatred and shame that he felt and so clearly expressed.

After church I was picking signs up again, and ended up talking to Ludwig. He’s about 80, maybe more. He stands on the side of the road every day of the week with two signs – “Love Heals” and “Need a Friend? Call Ludwig”, both with his phone number.

I’ve spoken to Ludwig before. It’s hard to do, because he’s forgetful and he can’t hear very well and he speaks very very slowly (which on Sundays is particularly shard for me, becuase it’s a very active day). He’s come to visit us in the chruch service twice. Last time he fell asleep during my sermon (a first for me – in this church anyway ;-)). We just talked about his philosophy of life – which is that love heals. And that if you talk about God, that just turns people off, so you should do it. And that healing power comes from our own faith in ourselves. And that I should accept that I’m a healer, and not tell people that I can’t heal anybody, only Jesus can. He thinks that disappoints people. I think that only God in Christ has the power to heal, and I’m only a conduit during the times that it happens. We agreed, at the end, to disagree, and still remain friends.

As I was leaving the building after that conversation to go have lunch with my family and one the guys from church, the lady whose husband died two weeks ago came in. I talked with her for a while. She’s absolutely devastated, and it’s totally understandable.

It’s only 2:30, and already it’s been an Isaiah 61 type of day:

Isaiah 61:1 through Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

I love it. And I’m overwhelmignly tired. I am going to take a nap.

++ Lord, thank You for answering our prayers. Give us the strength to represent you well. ++