SOAR - DAY 3

(we’re on DAY 3 of SOAR)

This morning (after breakfast and a worship gathering) our team practiced “foot washing.” We were reminded of Jesus’ teaching on servanthood – when he wrapped a towel over his arm and washed his disciple’s feet. You’re probably thinking this is one scripture we agree with but don’t practice literally. I believe it, but never practiced it… until today. Was a great way to express concretely that as a team we are 1. serving each other, and 2. serving others together.

Each day includes a personal reflection time for each couple (while the kids have they’re own reflection time as a group).

Our ministry assignment today was learning about Street People (i.e. homeless). Duane & Miriam have created PAX (www.paxstreet.com). We got a quick orientation and then maps around the area they serve – including the old Red Light District, the Gay Village, and Viger Park (i.e. St. Cahterine & Ontario St. b/w Papineau & Berri) – for a walk around learning experience. We hit the streets for about 2 hours, looking out for what it would feel like to be left on one of the main corners with no money, no friends, no network, no food – trying to learn who to trust, who to ask for a meal or money, etc. Due to rain we didn’t see as much as normal, but we got a sense of it. Later we met back at Dwayne’s home for a debriefing and further learning about the needs of homelessness. Their mission is not food. Their mission is relationship. They are building relationships with the Street People culture, befriending, loving, supporting, and when doors open, sharing Jesus and discipling.

OUR WALK: we met Bryan and Natalie.
Bryan was sitting in La Belle Province eating his smoke meat. He instantly started talking to us and we soon heard his story. Just coming off months of chemo therapy, dealing with Leukemia, also struggling with chronic fatigue, Bryan, unable to work, volunteers with 3 AIDS Hospices. He also volunteers privately by being a resourceful support to people living with AIDS. He’ll do something like reorganize their kitchen and prepare meals for a week. Bryan taught me a lot about generosity and servanthood. He says he’s not courageous, but I think he is.
Natalie was different. She was drunk. She instantly reached out to our kids and wanted to say hi… reaching for my daughters hand. She was enamored by the kids with us. There wasn’t much we could do for her at the moment – totally not sober – but the experience was an eye opener for my kids.

(our sub group walking the streets)

We later had our bagged supper at a park on the corner of Van Horne & Cote Des Neige, and to our surprise, Welcome Hall Mission had a truck with music, games, and prizes for the local kids. Apparently they do this every night at a different park – a great serving opportunity.

The day was almost over, but then the parents of each family had the chance to slip out to a local pub for some down time as adults (thanks to the 11 & 14 girls on the team who made sure everything went smooth)

That’s it. Tomorrow’s another day…

(a cool pic I found)


(my favorite pic)