Surely the Presence of the Lord
is in this Place
Read UMH #328
Several years ago I was roped in to
helping Sam Andrus with GPUMC’s involvement in Habitat for
Humanity. Sam was very handy so helping him organize our work group
and coordinating the activity and the worksites was easy - while he
was the technical advisor (think of Sam like Doc Martin or Steve
Makos). When Sam moved away, I was “promoted” into his role of
leading the Habitat builds when it was GPUMC’s turn to lead a
Saturday build. I found it really hard because I am a much better
organizer than builder. Organizers are a skill Habitat needed, but
they were much more effective when paired with some building skills.
Anyway, several years ago it was my
Saturday to lead the work. It was a beautiful summer day. As I sat in
our parking lot, waiting for our church workers to arrive, I was
hoping no one would show and I would be able skip the leadership
duties that day.
No one from our church showed.
Right as I was about to leave a man
walked up to my car and tapped on the window. He asked “does this
church have a shelter for homeless men?” He explained that he had
just walked miles carrying what little he owned looking for a place
to stay the night.
I spent the morning with him looking
for a shelter that would accept him. A process that tested my
patience. I cannot imagine how someone without a car, cell phone, and
negotiating skill would have a chance. During our drive he shared his
story, which really touched me. Eventually we found a place for him
and I waited at the shelter in a rough area of the city until he was
given a room.
I remember him very well to this
day. I believe, although it was my plan to skip Habitat that day, I
was called to help a man who needed the skills I really had to find
shelter. It was something I could do. I only regret not doing more.
When I pull in to the parking lot
for church, I often remember that morning and know – surely the
Lord is in this place.
Mike Lorenz
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