This, obviously, was WAY beyond my comfort zone. I already have issues starting a conversation with people whom I know, and now what's required of me is that I go talk to people whom I don't even know their names. Immediately, I knew I was being pushed to my limit. I hardly have the courage to even go up and talk to a random stranger, what would he or she think of me? But deep down in my heart, I knew this wasn't about me anymore, this was about God. I had to learn this, by hook or by crook.
Joy. She was standing there, looking at her map, and then looking to her left and right. That is the best way to tell that a person is lost. My partner and I walked up to her. Indeed, she needed to go to the bus stop and we walked her all the way. Along the journey, she told us how her dad came to know Christ and got baptized, while she remained an atheist. Still, we told her that God's love is for all and she is always welcomed to receive it.
Emi, a Japanese-British who is here for an exchange to do her Masters in Education; Justice, a green-haired girl who claimed that she got her name because her parents are parents are hipsters; Jie Wei, a computer science PhD student who did his Bachelors and Masters in computer science as well. Emma, Vivian, Yuki, Clarence, the list goes on. Behind every name, there are stories yet to be revealed.
Within this short period of time, I've learned so much that I wouldn't have, should I stay home all day and rot. I learnt that:
1. God works in marvelous ways. I've met people whom stay so far away from our church/life group venues that I thought they wouldn't take the trouble to travel all the way to join us. If I were them, I might have just declined the offer, but no, they seemed so keen to join! I was indeed blessed by their positive responses.
2. general knowledge is of paramount importance. I have this friend who knows almost everything, or at least, a little bit of everything, which turns out to be extremely useful to keep a conversation going.
3. it really isn't that hard to offer someone your help, even if it is a stranger. When they are desperate, and your assistance came in handy, as long as it is sincere, they usually will just accept it.
4. prayer do change things. Before setting out for the day, we prayed for divine encounter, and indeed throughout the few days, I saw God's hands moving in our midst. We met the right people at the right times at the right places and said the right things.
5. everybody has a different way of approach, but despite being different, we only have one ultimate goal, which is to show people God's love.
6. everybody has his or her own interesting story to tell, and it is indeed a privilege to be on the listening end.
7. it is not always about what you gain in return. Genuine help usually comes from within, and there can be nothing more satisfying than to see the person you've helped happy.
***
I overheard a conversation of my friend volunteering at a soup kitchen. It has always been on my to-do list, but has yet to be accomplished. And now that the opportunity is wide open in front of me, how can I miss out? During the induction session, the lady in charge warned us things that we should avoid doing or saying, and also things that might happen such as gang fights. This got me a little worried, to be really frank, what have I gotten myself into?
I was first inspired by my other friend to volunteer at soup kitchens. I remember him telling me about his experience, where he met a old man saying to another old man these exact words: 'How can you steal my cardboard box? That is my house!' To us, a cardboard box is like any other cardboard boxes, and often times mean nothing to us. To them, it is their shelter, their life, their privacy, their everything.
Newcomers get to take a ride in the van to Emma Miller Place where food will be served, so that we can experience setting up the tents and tables.
This was totally not what I've pictured. There was zero percent violence and hundred percent politeness. I was serving them mixed vegetables soup and I warned them that it was really hot. The response I expected to get was simply an 'oh okay', but what I got while serving these people was like as if I saved their lives. Some even said things like 'have a good day ahead' or 'thank you so much for your time spent on us' or 'such kind heart you have there to serve us'. Despite being homeless, they are grateful for what they are given and not rant about what they lack.
These people didn't want to be where they are, I believe, but life just forced them into their current situation. My heart goes out for these people. I heard there was this guy who used to be a chef at this very soup kitchen but he became homeless and couldn't bring himself to help out any more. Life is as cruel as it can be.
Every second spent with these people are worth it, they need company. More importantly, they need to experience God's love. No matter how different they might seem to us, they are just as treasured and loved in God's eyes. I didn't get to talk to many of the homeless this time round, but I did manage to have a chat with a couple of the volunteers. To know their heart is such a blessing. This, indeed, was a humbling experience.
Every second spent with these people are worth it, they need company. More importantly, they need to experience God's love. No matter how different they might seem to us, they are just as treasured and loved in God's eyes. I didn't get to talk to many of the homeless this time round, but I did manage to have a chat with a couple of the volunteers. To know their heart is such a blessing. This, indeed, was a humbling experience.
"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brother and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"(Matthew 25:40) Amen to that! Now, I couldn't wait till the next time I get to come back.
Despite a busy holiday, I am glad that it was well-spent.
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