Who would have thought the days would pass by so fast. But in these pass two days, the heart of our children have been touch, changed and transformed. Audrey Luciana's group has started serving at a new soup kitchen called St. Francis Mission. It is run by two priests (brothers as they refer to themselves) John and Tim. Brother Tim was on location at a parish right in our area out by Allison Park a few years back. He is an avid Steelers fan!! On the otherhand, Brother John is a huge U2 fan and a old looking version of Marvin Nelson. (You can tell me your thought on this picture later.) I did not say that comment but a few student did mention he looked like Marvin..Sorry bro. But like the other soup kitchen we have come alongside them in serving food but in a very significant way. To preserve the dignity of some the less fortunate people who attend, each person pays a $1 for an amazing hand cooked meal and the waiting staff (ACAC volunteers) serve them restaurant style.
At Booth Industries, where Starr Tucker-Nibbs was leading a group, saw an immense change in the hearts of our students. The desire to go beyond themselves to serve in this capacity became emotionally overwhelming. Lauren Wiles, while serving there said, "How unfortunate it is to see so many people with a desire to work, but not being able to understand the disadvantages they experience. But the work, find joy in those they work with and love when they make even the smallest accomplishments."
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Gary Gazica and team stayed at the YouthWorks facility to provide a day camp for some of the wonderful children in the near community. You hear some of the comment from students, "These kids have too much energy" -Josh Dever "I can't handle these kids. They are nuts!!" - Joey Luciana With all of the craziness of kids, they made the children smile, have fun and learn that they are and once were like these kids. They have seen many of these kids come each day earlier and earlier just to hang out with the students leaders of camp. They are so anxious to spend time with people sharing time and love for them.
For Jan Davis' group, being at the various women's and men's shelters has been an eye opener to the poverty in our world. To see how the homelessness is not just affecting men but a huge number of women seeking aid for not just themselves but for their children as well. A perspective for Vivian Jones:
It is not easy to look at the situation each person is facing. But in looking at them, talking to them, and hearing their stories, you experience their heart to want love, care and comfort. By being there, we have been the hands of Jesus Christ to comfort them through some rough patches.
Joe Luciana seen the heart of some people, ages older than him be filled with so much joy at the senior center Cummer Lodge. They have gone door-to-door to sing, prayer and just have fun with many of the patients. They have faced opposition with an older lady saying, "Stop all that racket!!!" But on Wednesday, she came around to be joyful playing bingo and a balloon toss game. (For both Jan and Joe sites, picture have been minimal do to the nature of care.)
Tuesday night was a great night at huge park where we played ultimate frisbee, sat talked with the various church groups and relaxed for the night with songs. But with a solid day of work, fun and fellowship Tuesday night, word came in the morning to everyone that the father of a Toronto church student had passed away. The young man, Adrian, left the site and went home to be with his family during this time. His father had fought the numerous battles with brain tumors for over 10 years. But late last week, the admitted him to the hospital because they found him in bed unresponsive. It was heart breaking to hear, but the suffering was over to where he could rejoice with the Lord. The Toronto group will be leaving early tomorrow to head North to their church to be with Adrian and his family for the viewing Thursday night and the Funeral on Friday. May you please be in prayer for Adrian and His family. Prayer for our students as this opens past wounds of losing a loved one.
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