Thursday night is the night we set aside to minister to the homeless in our area. Our ministry is a bit different than most. We hear rumors of where they may be and go looking for them. This may lead us to a shopping center, out into a wooded area, or to a park. We tell them about Jesus, invite them to a Bible study and offer them help, such as blankets, clothing, toiletries or food.

Last night we found Alex and Sophie. They were hiding within a few hundred yards of a busy intersection. Alex had been on the street for five years, Sophie for one. We asked if there was anything they needed. Both responded in the same way, Sophie needed a program where she could get clean. She was battling alcoholism and desperately wanted to have victory over it. We promised we would look for resources to help her.

I asked Sophie how long it had been since she had eaten. With some embarrassment, she told us, her last meal was some time the day before. Looking into her eyes was heartbreaking, it was evident the street was destroying her. It had robbed her of any sense of dignity. To sit all day long unable to enjoy even the smallest comforts of life such as food and a shower. All those things we take for granted are missing on the street. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and spoke three words that pierced my heart. “This is hard.” Hard indeed. Sophie was living out a nightmare, and I could tell she was terrified.

We went across the street to a fast food restaurant and bought her a meal. I handed it to her and asked if we could pray for her. She nodded. Her eyes filled with tears as I asked the Father to show her how much she was loved. Then she leaned into me, putting her head on my knee. As I was praying, I wondered how long had it been since anybody had taken any notice of her. When was the last time anybody cared or treated her like she was a person with worth? When was the last time somebody looked at her without disgust?

There was something about that moment that dug deep into my soul. With Sophie’s head resting upon me, it didn’t matter one bit if she hadn’t showered for awhile. It didn’t matter if she smelt like the street. All I know is, I’ve never felt more Christlike than I did at that time. I felt like I was right in the center of God’s will. This is how I want to live my life.

Please pray for Sophie, that she would get the rehab she so desperately wants.