Church challenges and innovations aren’t unique

I serve a church that hosts three free clinics that serve the community where the church is located. It’s a unique call in many ways — serving as both the pastor of the congregation as well as the executive director of the health ministries. It’s an urban setting in a highly economically challenged section of Harrisburg, in Allison Hill. There are many other challenges for the people who live in this community.

Yesterday on my way in to the church, I was a stop light in my car waiting for the light to change. There was a man with a sign at the corner. He was homeless and looking for some help. He motioned to me to put my window down so he could ask a question. I obliged. He didn’t ask for money, but rather for food. I gave him part of the lunch I had brought with me. There’s not a whole I can do, but I do what I can. I gave him not only some food, but also an acknowledgement of his humanity. And reminded me of my own. I need that and so does he.

Parking for the church is primarily along the street and I pulled up where I normally park. It is well known that there is prostitution occurring in these streets. One of the ladies came walking my way, who I greeted and said good morning. She could see I wasn’t interested in her services, and she complimented the color of my car instead. I thanked her and wished her well and safety for the day. I said a prayer for her on my way into the church. There’s not much I can do, but I do what I can. I hope that awfully boring normal interaction of pleasantries was a…