Update Tuesday -and they called the police

A part of  what we really hope to do as we serve here in Hamilton is help people to learn some missional principles that they can bring into their everyday lives.  For Kimberley, God has been teaching her about justice and opening her eyes and heart to the vulnerable on the fringes of society.   It is no wonder then that when Kimberley arrived in the small town of Penetanguishene (our son is currently performing there in a production of Oliver) she would come across maybe the only homeless guy in town.  Charlie, along with his big German Shepherd, approached her in the Tim Horton's parking lot (it is literally the only business open after 5:00pm!) asking for change. Kim said that she did not have any change but that she would buy him dinner if he would join her.  He did not want to leave his dog, and so they ate together on the curb outside the restaurant.  As a police cruiser entered the parking lot Charlie began to murmer "oh no...oh no." Kim assured him that they were not there for him, it was a Tim Horton's, they were just there for a coffee and doughnut.  She was wrong, they were there for them and they, very politley, came right over to ask if everything was OK.  Kim kind of laughed and assured them that everything was fine and that she and Charlie were just having dinner.  As it turns out, someone saw Charlie and was worried that he was  coercing Kimberley into giving money.   Kimberley learned very quickly that Penetanguishene is not Hamilton!  On the one hand, it was nice to think that someone was concerned enough for her safety to call.  On the other hand, it was strange to think they were that concerned over one homeless man.  

Kimberley finished dinner at which point she tried offer Charlie help to find a shelter or place to stay, but he "had places to go."  It is strange, but they always have somewhere to go and somewhere to be...I have no idea where or for what...but they do.  

Although the two places that Kimberley finds herself in these days are very different, there is one thing they have in common.  When we look more closely, and our hearts, as well as our eyes are open, we can see the vulnerable on the fringes of society.   I think that God calls us to such places and people as we join him on mission.  Will we have the heart and eyes to see?