Todd and I went down to Atlantic City this past week. I had a strong calling to go down to the city and seek out some individuals that needed some help (thanks to Erik). We just wanted to go and check out what is really going on outside of the casinos.
I have to admit, for the first three or four blocks, I didn't see much. It was cold, the wind was blowing pretty hard, and there were not too many folks out on the boards. After we passed the Taj Mahal, it got a little ugly. We stumbled upon an obvious crack addict who wanted "just a dollar....or two..." for her next fix. Honestly, I was a little freaked out, and then Todd laughed and said, "Dude, you think that's scary, wait until it's a 400 pound dude coming at you."
We walked about two blocks away from the end of the boardwalk, and then turned around. On our way back we came across a man sitting outside the Taj, kinda curled up in a ball. Todd gave him a buck and we kept walking. After a few minutes, we were both convicted of getting this man something more, maybe some coffee. So, we turned around to go find him and locate some coffee. When we got about half way back, we saw the same man walking our way--I went up to him and asked where he was headed, he preceded with, "going to try and find me some coffee." Well, it just so happens that I wanted to buy him some, so I asked if that would be ok.
We walked and talked with John for about two blocks when he spoke up with honesty, "You know, I could really go for a drink right now." I replied with, "Well, we can't really help you with that, but how about a sandwich and some coffee?" "No, I just want a drink." At this, we let John continue on his journey to find that "one more dollar" he needed for his booze.
It is a little discouraging at first, but then you realize that man would have never known kindness (possibly) if I didn't just ask his name, tell him mine, and offer to buy him some coffee. I had to repent of feeling like he SHOULD have taken my offer. I had the horrible, selfish thought, "That's crazy, I come down here to offer him something, and all he wants is alcohol!? How about some appreciation?" WAIT a minute. Is that really the attitude I should have? NO WAY! I had to ask God to forgive me for those horrible thoughts. I just wanted to help and spend time with John, not try to make myself feel good.
I am going to try and find John again this week if I get a chance. Maybe I can buy him a cup of coffee. If not, maybe I should keep trying until he accepts?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Boardwalk Talk
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2 comments:
That's awesome. I have lived in this area for 26 years and am terrified of walking down the boardwalk at night. Though I wonder whether that extra dollar he used towards booze is as important as just saying "Hi." and giving him the moment of communication. Next time maybe don't offer the dollar, leave it at a Cup O' Joe or just a friendly chance to get out of the cold.
Chase, my car broke down last year and, not being able to afford another one, I was forced to ride the bus to the bus station in A.C. and walk to my job. I walk down Atlantic Ave. a few blocks to work and a few blocks after work back to the bus station. I noticed each day people would come up to me asking for a dollar or even just a little change. So I started giving it to them, whatever I had. All of a sudden it hit me that these people started looking like Jesus to me. What I mean is it drove me to the verse about "if you've done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto me" and "if you haven't done it to the least of these, you haven't done it to me." So "The Least of These Ministries" was born and now I give them Gospels of John and any change I have. Keep it up dude. The coffee's a great idea.
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