Another night on the streets...

We had an incredible time on the streets tonight. We went into one of the normal alleyways we visit and sat down and read the Sermon on the Mount together. These words of Jesus are compelling and every time we read this people are profoundly moved. I asked at the end what had stood out for people. What was most profound was that the only real difference in the response of these homeless people to the response to the question when we have asked it of our friends from the suburbs in our lounge after reading it was the context it was applied in. Different parts of this sermon seem to touch each person in a different way each time it is read. One homeless friend spoke of his struggle with judgmentalism at people as he parked cars when they treated him badly and spoke of his wanting to look at people with more love, another spoke of his attitude towards woman and his fresh desire to them with respect them after hearing the words about lust. For me tonight I was challenged about always trying to take out the speck out of someone else's eye while there is a log in mine. Afterwards we spent time in prayer and speaking words of affirmation and love to people. This was particularly moving. It was beautiful to see community in action - a homeless women sharing hurts, dreams and desires tearfully and being embraced and comforted by another homeless woman. A mute homeless guy comforting another homeless friend who shared his desire for reconciliation with his family and desperation to be free from drugs. Life is truly beautiful. #inspired #moved #ExcitedAbout2014