Fights break out over the most unexpected issues. Last Sunday night I stepped in between two guys who got into a shoving match over the role of angels in the earthly realm... not even I could make that one up. The guy in the picture wandered into line for his first time. He stuck out because of the shofar strapped over his back. Learn more about the shofar and it's roll in religion at this link. Listen to a few beautifully played shofar notes- the kudu shofar -at this link. The fight was my fault. It's unusual to see a beautiful kudu shofar. They're very expensive and delicate in a world where people sleep on concrete. Asking to look at it- he offered to play it for me- and soon a call to prayer, easily as beautiful as the one on the link I've posted... the best I've ever heard in person...was echoing through the skidrow night. The guy could blow his horn. That's when the theological debate got going. He started explaining his view of angelic presence and his roll within it and the part he plays with his horn... interesting to listen to... until another homeless guy decided to set him straight on his theology, (seems like too many wars have started that way), soon I again found myself in that familiar spot between two unhappy people coming to blows... over God... sad. Each of the men turned to me asking me to settle their debate. Each of them had more scripture to lean on then most seminarians will ever learn. Smiling warmly, I relied on why we go to the streets in the first place and told them that for me it always seemed it would be more pleasing to God if we could find what we agree on instead of fighting over what we might disagree on... and reminded them we were each one invited to a life of service and love. Amazing the cool things God does in the darkness. Smiling, they were soon shaking hands and the stranger with the shofar put his hand on my shoulder, wagged a finger in my face and said: "You're a wise one... " I told him he just didn't know me well enough and smiled as he headed off for a meal leaving me with a wonderful memory and the sound of an ancient reminder to turn my heart and thoughts toward God.

God's blessed us with some incredibly special long time friends on the streets. That's Felix in the photo... to say he's a large man is understatement at it's best. We've known him nearly 15 years- he's lost a hundred pounds or more and gained it back. Struggled to walk to our line for a meal - needing to rest every 100 yards or so - and been fit and strong enough to help control in times of trouble. He's a gentle giant and easy to love... but he doesn't like me to take his photo... always says there's no way he could fit in that little phone. Snapped this shot and we both loved it. Decided the pole definitely covered 150 pounds or more... but it's no laughing matter... Felix says he's battled his weight since he was a child, now, like many of the men and women on the streets, in his 60's, his body just can't keep up the way it use to... Keep him in your prayers. Dee, an old friend of over 19 years on the streets, is facing just the opposite problem. He's been wearing a cast waiting for a broken leg to heal. The heat is literally breaking the cast down a little at a time as Dee walks skidrow for survival. Always a slim man, another in his 60's, but always ripped with muscles, Dee's lost his muscle structure and any vestiges of weight he still held on to. Hugging me Sunday night he said his leg's been killing him. Reaching into my pocket, I told him I had a motrin if he wanted it. The guys around him laughed... one called out: "Yeah Dee, maybe you better go over to advil!" Dee thanked me, then smiling like the Cheshire, admitted to having his own plan for pain control. I hugged him again and walked away feeling stupid... and whispering a silent prayer for Dee. Keep him in your prayers. His body's not going to take his lifestyle much longer. Can't imagine what it's been like sleeping on the streets with that cast...

Katie, Jodi, Phil and Angie... just part of our weekly team serving on the streets each week in love. (Congrats to Phil on his recent college graduation!) Bart and Jodie have been working hard at getting everything moving more smoothly with the large crowds backing up where Robert labors to see that everyone gets something to drink. They've tried one plan- then another- and Sunday night they felt as if, even with a HUGE crowd, their strategy worked perfectly. That's more than just a great feeling- it adds to the safety of each person on the corner as people are able to move through the line more efficiently they're a lot less likely to get angry, feeling forgotten at the end of the line. Each of our workers serves old friends, first timers, the satisfied and the angry as if they're serving Jesus. It's rare that by evening's end we each haven't been touched by some special moment, often a conversation with a guy on the street, sometimes just sharing the few minutes we have together... the blessing is definitely ours, week in and week out. Sunday night, crossing the street to leave, a woman with many special needs, stopped any of us who would take the moment to listen and ask for a pair of shoes in her exact size... we'd handed out so many shoes... none fit her... couldn't we promise to bring what she needed? We try not to make specific promises, beyond the fact that, Lord Willing, we'll be back next week. We've promised "special" jackets, books, shoes, etc... forgetting we might not see that person again for a month or more... when we finally do, whatever we'd been holding for them has usually been handed out. Feelings are hurt... often on both sides. So we promise to return and bring whatever God puts in our hands for that night. The team serves, shares, gives it all away in love... and another night on the street is wrapped up... another adventure at an end... or a beginning. Next week Angie and her family move out of state. (Take Care you guys!) We've been encouraging her to take Jackets for Jesus with her. The reality is that for any of us who've served together, we could never leave it behind. We've been given an invitation to start on a winning team and we know it. A spot's coming open in the rotation. We'll be going down this Sunday night... you're invited... you're needed... now, more than ever.

for changing lives,

Eric M. Denton