Al's Outreach Outtakes

About 18 months ago someone who had not been to our Food Closet before came for the first time. He must have liked what we had provided to him because he came a couple of weeks later. I had a couple of brief conversations with him, but nothing too deep. After the third time he asked if he could talk with me. He asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks and has stuck with me ever since: “Do you think  Jesus would understand if I killed myself today?” Certainly not something I have received training for so I answered him the only way I knew how: “I can’t tell you what Jesus will say, but I do know that live is worth living.”
 
We continued to talk for another 30 minutes where I simply listened and learned about the various stresses in his life and why he felt the way he did. I let him know that we at Holy Trinity cared about him and encouraged him to not give up and to seek professional assistance. I am pleased to say that he did just that and continues to go to this day. We helped get him into stable housing. His daughter, who was living with him, had gotten a job. All was going well.
 
Last week he contacted me again. Due to COVID-19  the daughter had lost her job and had to move out of the apartment. There was no longer enough income available so he has been living in his car since late March. A couple of weeks ago he had to have surgery and there were complications. He could no longer take care of himself in his car and the motel voucher someone had given him was all used. Could we help?
 
Fortunately I had some contacts at a local motel and they were able to find space for him for a couple of weeks which should let him heal. We took some food to him that will get him through for a while. Unfortunately, when he went to get a few things from his car, it had been stolen along with everything he owned.
 
I spoke with him just before I wrote this article to get an update. In spite of everything he is in good spirits and truly grateful for the assistance he has received. I know he is in a better place mentally now than when we first met. I believe that is a direct result of both the professional help and the kindness he has received from others.

Our actions matter. Please pray for him and all of those who struggle  with self-worth. Let them know that Jesus, and you, really do care.