Irvine, CA // Sunday Service Time: 9:30 AM

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Kids & The Homeless

Homless

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share my experience today with you passing out the lunches our kids made for the homeless in Community Group this past week.  It was one of our first steps as a Community Group to involve some of our kids in a more missional way.   We know its a pretty benign start, but its something to get our kids used to serving other people, even people they don’t know.  Here’s what my experience was like:

After work I headed to the homeless shelter in Santa Ana to hand out a couple bags.  The shelter was closed so most of the homeless were not around, I did see a few men but they were drinking so I didn't feel comfortable going up to them.  So, I went by the courthouse where a lot of homeless hanging out and asleep.  This is where my adventure began.  I pulled up, walked the area and headed back to my car for the bags.  I stopped and looked at everyone to soak in the moment of what I was about to do.  It was intimidating because there were at least 30-35 people and I only had 13 bags which made me even more nervous because I knew after the first bag I would hand out, a lot of people would start coming toward me.  I went back to my car and prayed to Jesus to give me the grace, patience and courage to complete my mission. 

After I prayed I started out with just 6 bags.  I approached one lady.  She noticed what I was holding and with a smile she asked, "Is that a lunch bag for me?"  I knelt down by her side and said "yes".  Then I told her why I was doing this, she seemed happy and said "thank you".  As I was talking to her, 5 more people walked up and asked for the bags, more people followed but stopped when they noticed I only had 5 left.  I handed out the bags and all were thankful.  Unfortunately, not all the people wanted to talk but they did listen to my story about the bags. 

Then I left for another park but ended up back at the courthouse to hand out the last 8 bags.  Next I saw a 65+ yr old lady and sat down next to her.  We talked for about 5 min.  She asked if I was selling the bag of food and offered me some change. With a smile I said "no" and we continued to talk, she was a sweet lady.  Then I walked over to 2 men sitting on the bench where they sleep.  They were gracious and said "thank you" for the bags.  

I passed another man who was cussing and very upset at a lady for smoking so I kept walking.  I found a man (blind in one eye) laying in the shade.  He saw me walking towards him so he sat up.  He knew it was food, I knelt down next to him and he shook my hand.  I told him about our group and the idea about the bags, he was also very happy and with a huge smile he said 'thank you and God bless you". 

Once again I passed the man who was cussing but by now he had calmed down.  He was just standing there all alone so I offered him a bag.  He got excited and was very greatful. 

With 2 bags left I saw two ladies sitting next to the gentlemen I had already given bags to.  Another man was sitting on his bike talking to all of them.  He turned to me and asked for a bag but when he noticed I only had 2 left he said, "those bags go to the ladies."  That was amazing, even when he might be starving he thought of someone else before his own needs!  So I handed the bags to the 2 ladies and they were so excited.  When I told them about our group and that the children made the bags they were even happier and said "God Bless everyone."   They smiled so big and waved while I took their picture.  Even better, while I was talking to the ladies I noticed that one of the men I had already given a bag to was sitting next to them and had started reading the material we put inside the bag, now that was AWESOME! 

Needless to say, today was a success!  Even if we only helped them out for a few moments of their life with food for their stomach, hopefully we started to fill their hearts and mind with Jesus!   Thanks to everyone for helping make this possible. 

Bryan Watanabe

- If you're looking for a simple way to help engage your kids in serving others, this was a great place for our kids to start.