Planning A Funeral

Exactly a week ago, we got word that one of our homeless men had passed away suddenly of a heart attack while riding the bus.  We were devastated.  We had known this man for 2 weeks, but we were still all full of emotions.  

I was reminded of losing my dad.  How quickly life can change and be taken away.  It makes you appreciate every moment you have.  The day before (Monday), was our homeless shelter day.  Every Monday, the church we are staying at opens their doors at 12pm so that people can come shower and play ping pong.  About 1:30pm or so, a word is shared, prayer, singing, a testimony from one of them, and thanksgiving to God is given.  About 2pm, food is served, usually soup, bread, a chili pepper, and onion.  After lunch they all head out, sometimes with new clothing items, sometimes with extra food, and always hope for a good week. 

Our host (Cristi) started this ministry after one evening while driving home.  He saw a bunch of homeless people gathered around a fire.  They were trying to warm up.  He drove home, gathered some warm clothing, gathered some food, and brought it to the park to hand out to them.  From there, he started a ministry out of nothing.  And it has blossomed to what we witness each Monday. 

Most of the people that come are from one gang.  They drink, smoke, and are known as gypsies to the community.  They are unwanted. Unloved. Undesired.  Our host is one of their best friends.  They call him before they call the police (like when one of them was stabbed in the chest).  When one of them passes away, Cristi plans the funeral. 

We literally had just seen this man.  I barely said goodbye to him when he left this week because last week he gave us all hugs and didn’t want to let go…kind of in a creepy, old man way.  But we are still called to love people.  We are still called to show them, unconditional love.  We literally just did a journey marker (watched a video and answered questions) on how to love with our WHOLE being ALL the time.  I, of all people, should have remembered how quickly life can be taken.  

It’s not often you get a second chance to redeem yourself, but Cristi then got a call that evening (and told us the next day) that the man was ALIVE!  It had been a MISTAKE!  He was ALIVE and WELL! PRAISE THE LORD!!!! 

Yesterday, I decided to share a word with the homeless about this.  I told them how we all felt.  I told them not to take life for granted.  The previous week we had talked about laying everything down for Heaven, and I challenged them again to do that.  What did they need to surrender?  Who could they look to and keep them accountable?  I also reminded them that they are loved, seen, and known.  I ended with Hebrews 10:22-25, which God just put on my heart that morning. 

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

What if today was the day you took your final breath?!  Are you living for the kingdom?  Are you putting down your pride, your self-righteousness, your addictions, your grudges, your _______ (you fill it in), and truly living a life that reflects and honors God?  You say you have a relationship with Christ, but then go out and gamble, take advantage of someone, or don’t honor Christ with the way you live your life.  Are you really living for the kingdom–do you really believe what you profess? 

Take some time to think about this, pray with God, and go out living loved, loving on others, and for KINGDOM GLORY!    

To HIM be the glory FOREVER! Amin!