The youth trip..

The youth at our church took a field trip..they went to the Haven of Mercy to serve the homeless and then present a program for them. It was a real touching site. For a long time I have had this desire to go on a mission trip...well, every since I worked in Morristown and saw really what a need there is for missions and how great we got it here in America...but anyway, back on track...at this homeless shelter, there was approx 60+ men, with about 5-6 women and at least 2 children that I saw there to get food for supper. They had pot roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, something else I can't remember...but then at another table, they had a salad, bread and dessert pastries. Thanks to the local grocers, (Food Lion, Panera and Atlanta Bread) they had donated thier old bread to the shelter which I thought was real nice...It was explained to me that when they got to much bread, or it all wasn't eaten, they do give out loaves, bagels, etc. to the men who don't live in the shelter to take home...if it is not all distributed, they take it to the local farm shelter, where men are living and farming for food and they eat it or if it is too old, they give to the hogs for food...Pretty cool, huh... but once again, back on topic...LOL There were men of all ages...I think maybe the youngest looked about 16 or 17 and the oldest look well into his 70's. Some men looked rough, others looked like they weren't afraid of hard work. Some looked like they needed compassion. Just a hug I think would have made thier day. I saw some very sad countenances that night...but they ate very heartily...
After dinner was cleaned up, most of the men sat down anticipating the program. Usually, since the ministry is Christian-based, the men who stay at the shelter have to attend church services there every evening...so our youth performed a song/verse performance called "Journey of Praise". It really had an awesome affect on each man there and this is not just speculation. They received standing ovations and approx 50% of the men were actually worshiping along with them. It was truly awesome!!!! One man stood up and asked for them to come back soon. This man was the one who had recently stomped out and didn't want to come to any type church service...God truly worked thru those children that night and even the children got a blessing. It was a awesome experience...