171. The Wanderer
When I lost my way, I traveled on these highways,
Seeking for a peace I knew too long ago.
Though I felt alone upon these busy byways,
This sad and sorry life became my home.
Growing up my parents never spoke of Jesus,
But my “grands” took me to Church and read The Word.
My young friends would seek the pleasures all around us,
So the truths of Jesus I too rarely heard.
Looking back, I see how much I’ve wasted,
For the lures of the flesh have left me cold.
Ever faster toward damnation I have hasted,
For a “mess of pottage” my soul has been sold. (1)
With my push cart and my pack I walked and wandered,
Begging alms from strangers who were touched to give.
Over time my former goals and hopes were squandered,
My best self forgot a better way to live.
Two kind strangers stopped their bikes and asked me questions.
Neat and comely, I felt dirty in their sight.
But they treated me with love and made suggestions,
I believed would lead me toward God’s saving Light. (2)
Wearing my best jeans and cleanest shirt I came here.
Daring worship at a place I felt God’s love.
Although rudely dressed, it seemed all were the same here.
I was treated as a soul sent from above.
Jesus lifted me from all my sins and sorrows.
And through His sacred servants made me whole.
They have given me a hope for my tomorrows.
And returned the love the evil one once stole.
(1) Genesis 25:30-34
(2) Jesus said: 3 Nephi 18:24 Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do.
(c) servingjesuspoetry.com [All commercial rights reserved.]
EXPERIMENT:
1. Take a gallon freezer baggie. [It needs to be sturdy.]
2. Put in one or two cheap bottles of water. [Costco $0.25]
3. Put one or two budget cans of soda inside [the homeless seem to prefer cola beverages-NOT diet!]
4. Add energy bars. I like the Sunbelt chocolate granola bars and "house brand" fruit bars. I add at least three and sometimes more. When I'm in "search mode", I have extras on the passenger seat next to me. This is healthy, no cook, nutrition which can help them move on to the next stage of their journey--wherever it may be.
5. Put in a few dollars. [Anything less than two is...likely ineffectual. Be flexible, and seek a prompting. I've gone a lot higher, but...I was prompted. I have been TOLD to give everything I had at times; even COMPELLED to return and give more until I had nothing left. What will happen to you?]
6. IF THEY HAVE A DOG...add mini bags of dog food. [Pet stores give them to me for free when I tell them how they will be used. In my experience, in my area, about 1 in 15 wanderers have dogs.]
7. I put in my website card or a pass along card. The goal here is to provide a tangible, enduring reference to Jesus Christ. My website card has a glorious image of the Savior and reference to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I want something that helps convey the message that "We believe in Christ. He loves you and so do we. We want you to find greater health and happiness through Him." Sure, they might just throw it away. But, then again....
8. Engage them in a brief but sincere conversation: "I was told to give you this." "God loves you." "I will pray for you." "You are worthy of love." "It's cold/hot out, take care of yourself." Listen to their reply, if any, respectfully. [Seek promptings. At times, far more meaningful conversations have arisen.] See, Matthew 25:31-35 and 37-41.
9. When I was a Ward Missionary, I was told that, frequently, it took at least six (6) different "contact experiences" before people were willing to accept an invitation to be taught. You might be experience No. 1...or No. 6, or....
10. I do have some...cautions. 1) I do not approach any man who is part of a group of men--I only seek 1 to 1 contacts (I've made exceptions for couples, but that's very, very rare). 2) I make sure I am in a well-lit, outdoors, public space. 3) I do not give at night unless powerfully prompted to, and then I roll down a window, drop my bag and give a brief greeting. You can make your own "safety rules".
11. I then step away...and ask the Spirit if there is anything else I should do. [My stories of what can happen are personal and sacred to me. I KNOW, ABSOLUTELY KNOW, that a few kind words and some meaningful albeit, inexpensive, gifts of food have brought hope where there was none.
12. Just one example: I saw a very old and terribly raggedy woman (a true stick figure) up ahead of my car. I got into the curb side traffic lane to "drop off" a package. She had vanished. The Spirit said: "Find her." I went into an alleyway and saw her. She was overjoyed to get a little food and drink. She told me: "I had enough money for ONE(1) CARAMEL at the drug store in front. I needed food to get me to my next stop (1/2 mile North). You are an answer to prayer. I can go further now." I have myriad additional experiences like this. What experiences will you have?