Damian

Today, I met Damian at the park.  He has the frame of a bodybuilder or football player.  When I greeted him, he looked me in the eyes and seemed genuinely glad to meet me.  I didn't have much with me when I drove up so I asked what they needed.  He paused before answering, "We don't get asked that much."  We settled on some pizza, water, some beanies and gloves.  The previous night saw rare snow in the Inland Empire.  More of the same is expected tonight.  The beanies and gloves have become essentials.

When I returned, Damian seemed surprised to see me but recovered quickly enough to help me unload the few bags from my car.  He and his friends couldn't stop praising God.  That, in itself, would've made the experience worthwhile.  But I got so much out of it than just that moment.

I sat in my car for a few moments to gather myself.  For some reason, I had to fight tears.  Perhaps it was the realization that that group of men would have to sleep there even as the temperature dropped to freezing again.  At 3:30 in the afternoon, it was already cold enough that I couldn't wait to get back in the car.  I couldn't imagine sleeping out in the open.  Throughout the day, people have posted pictures and video of snow in the Inland Empire.  Everyone seemed to welcome the uncommon weather...well, not quite everyone.  How easy it is for us to forget about the less fortunate.

As I drove home, I toyed with the idea of starting a Bible study in that park.  Maybe once a week, I could bring pizza and read through the Bible with anyone there.  We could pray and maybe even sing some worship songs.  Maybe....